Air Traffic Control Officer

It’s not just the air space directly above you that you’ll be responsible for. You’ll control the flow of air traffic for a 30-mile radius. Given this could be anywhere in the world depending on where your missions take you – with civilian and private traffic, extreme weather and potential conflict to consider – you’ll need to be completely on the ball. Whether you’re in the middle of the ocean on board an aircraft carrier like the new Queen Elizabeth, or on shore at a Royal Naval Air Station, the lives of your crewmates will be in your hands. 

• Monitor the airwaves and make sure each and every one of the helicopters and jets under your watch lands safely. 
• Use your knowledge of our world-class kit, and understanding of your environment, to give clear instructions to pilots and crew.
• Operate sophisticated radar and communication systems, and collaborate with everyone in your team.
• Use your world-class communication skills to ensure the safety of your crew. 

• A starting salary in excess of £34,485
• Rising beyond £42,845 after two years
• Accelerated training and responsibility from day one
• Six weeks of paid holiday every year
• Free medical and dental care 
• Subsidised travel and accommodation
• Adventurous training
• Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications you'll gain

• Study for GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or even a degree, with funding from us
• Gain specialist vocational qualifications
• Gain a Foundation Degree in Airspace Management on completion of professional training and a BSc(Hons) on the Front Line

Skills you'll develop

• How to use state-of-the-art equipment to monitor your airspace and keep it safe 
• The art of effective communication and decision-making in high-pressure situations 

• You must be aged 18 to 34 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 18 years old on day of entry to basic training)  
• You’ll need a minimum of 72 UCAS points. These can be accrued from either GCE A/AS Levels (or equivalent) or National Diplomas (e.g., BTEC)
• You’ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (9-4) (or Scottish equivalent), which must include English language and Mathematics
• You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual United States National to apply. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
• Applicants who have resided outside the UK over the previous 5 years may require a residency waiver
• Minimum height of 151.5cm
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
• Must pass CBAT. Specialist Aviation Medical at OASC, RAF Cranwell post AIB.

• Able to thrive on responsibility
• A confident leader
• A passion for working as part of a team
• Calm under pressure
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time