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EducationISCO 2320

Air traffic instructor

Air traffic instructors train people in all the matters regarding with the operations in air navigation services such as the management of flight traffic and the communication for navigation in aerodromes. They teach all the directives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of passing to trainees the sense of safety and expeditious flow of air traffic.

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Check yourself in a minute: air traffic instructor

Rate 5 of the 28 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

use meteorological information

give instructions to staff

interpret visual literacy

evaluate education programmes

assess students

About air traffic instructor

As an air traffic instructor, you will be responsible for training the next generation of air traffic controllers and aviation professionals in the critical operations of air navigation services. Your day-to-day responsibilities include developing and delivering comprehensive training programs on flight traffic management, aerodrome communication procedures, radar surveillance systems, and air traffic control operations. You will conduct both theoretical instruction and practical exercises, ensuring that trainees understand complex navigational concepts and can apply them safely in real-world scenarios. Your work is fundamental to aviation safety—you teach the procedures and protocols that prevent collisions, manage airspace efficiently, and ensure smooth communication between pilots and ground control. In Poland's aviation sector, which continues to grow with increased air traffic at major hubs like Warsaw Chopin Airport, skilled instructors are in high demand. Career prospects are stable and rewarding, with opportunities to advance into senior training roles or specialized areas such as advanced radar systems training or international aviation standards instruction.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a air traffic instructor.

1

Curriculum Development and Training Program Design

  • Design comprehensive air traffic control training modules covering all aspects of navigation services and flight management
  • Evaluate and update training programs based on changes in air traffic control regulations and technological advancements
  • Incorporate air transport law, safety procedures, and international aviation standards into lesson plans
2

Direct Instruction and Practical Training

  • Teach air traffic management principles, communication protocols, and radar system operations to trainees
  • Conduct simulator exercises and real-world scenario training to develop decision-making and crisis management skills
  • Provide clear technical communication and use multiple instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles
3

Student Assessment and Performance Evaluation

  • Assess trainee knowledge and competency in air traffic control procedures and decision-making capabilities
  • Evaluate training effectiveness and identify areas requiring curriculum refinement or additional focus
  • Provide constructive feedback to help trainees improve performance and master critical safety procedures
4

Documentation and Reporting

  • Write detailed work-related reports documenting trainee progress, training outcomes, and program modifications
  • Maintain comprehensive records of all training sessions, assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Compile and analyze training data to identify trends and recommend improvements to instruction methods
5

Staff Training and Operational Guidance

  • Train air traffic control staff on navigational requirements and updates to operational procedures
  • Give clear instructions to trainees and staff regarding proper use of air traffic services documentation and tools
  • Ensure all staff comply with air traffic control operations standards and safety protocols

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (28)

procedures associated with different air navigation areasprocedures associated with different air navigation areasThe relevant information related to various air navigation areas, including the availability of air navigation facilities and services and the procedures associated with them, as well as general air n...air traffic managementair traffic managementThoroughly understand the major activities in air traffic management, such as air traffic control, air traffic flow management, and aeronautic information services.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).geographical routesgeographical routesThe interpretation of geographical information such as locations and distances between them.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.air transport lawair transport lawThe rules and regulations governing air transport, including international law.air traffic control operationsair traffic control operationsThe procedures for organising air traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flights, and the tasks performed by air traffic controllers, including Interaction and effective ...surveillance radarssurveillance radarsTypes of surveillance radars such as Mode A/C Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, which continuously interrogate all aircraft within their range, and Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, w...use meteorological informationuse meteorological informationUse and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.give instructions to staffgive instructions to staffGive instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. Adjust communication style to the target audience in order to convey instructions as intended.interpret visual literacyinterpret visual literacyInterpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.evaluate education programmesevaluate education programmesEvaluate ongoing training programmes and advise on potential optimisation.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...evaluate trainingevaluate trainingAssess the realisation of the training's learning outcomes and goals, the quality of teaching, and give transparent feedback to the trainers and trainees.use of air traffic services documentuse of air traffic services documentUtilise Air Traffic Services document to prevent collisions between manoeuvring aircraft; ensure orderly flow of air traffic.comply with air traffic control operationscomply with air traffic control operationsAct in compliance with instruction provided by air traffic controllers.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...train staff in navigational requirementstrain staff in navigational requirementsPlan and conduct ground training activities and airborne instruction; apply navigational methods to mission requirements.apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.prepare syllabuses for vocational coursesprepare syllabuses for vocational coursesPrepare syllabuses for use in different kinds of vocational courses. Compile, adapt, and integrate important study subjects in a course to assure integral teaching programs.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.prepare examinations for vocational coursesprepare examinations for vocational coursesPrepare examinations that test both theoretical and practical understanding of the content and the procedures imparted during a course or teaching programme. Develop exams that assess the most importa...teach air traffic controlteach air traffic controlTeach air traffic subjects by imparting knowledge on aviation theory and regulations in air traffic, as well as providing instruction in the practical performance of procedures in air traffic control ...analyse work-related written reportsanalyse work-related written reportsRead and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.geographic areasgeographic areasThe detailed knowledge of a geographical area where different organisations carry out operations.meteorologymeteorologyThe scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.common aviation safety regulationscommon aviation safety regulationsThe body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels.
Optional (13) — show
use modern electronic navigational aidsuse modern electronic navigational aidsUse modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.coach employeescoach employeesMaintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited em...communicate in air traffic servicescommunicate in air traffic servicesEnsure the implementation of an efficient communication exchange in air traffic services (ATS) involving airport movement areas. Follow procedures within the network.deal with air traffic issuesdeal with air traffic issuesDeal with issues affecting the airline e.g. air traffic control problems and adverse weather conditions. This may involve rearranging flight slots when delays occur.operate airport control toweroperate airport control towerOperate the airport control tower, which is crucial to the safe taxiing, take-off and landing of aircraft.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).identify training needsidentify training needsAnalyse the training problems and identify the training requirements of an organisation or individuals, so as to provide them with instruction tailored to their prior mastery, profile, means and probl...review meteorological forecast datareview meteorological forecast dataRevise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.analyse data for aeronautical publicationsanalyse data for aeronautical publicationsCollect, edit, and analyse data received from civil aviation authorities and related services. Analyse the data to prepare amendments that are incorporated into aeronautical informational publications...compile data for navigation publicationscompile data for navigation publicationsCompile data for navigational publications; gather and process authentic and valid data.operate radar equipmentoperate radar equipmentOperate radar screens and other radar equipment. Ensure that aircraft fly at a safe distance from one another.advise on teaching methodsadvise on teaching methodsAdvise education professionals on the proper adaptation of curricula in lesson plans, classroom management, professional conduct as a teacher, and other activities and methods related to teaching.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...

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Frequently asked questions

What does an air traffic instructor do?

Air traffic instructors train people in all the matters regarding with the operations in air navigation services such as the management of flight traffic and the communication for navigation in aerodromes. They teach all the directives issued by air traffic control for the purpose of passing to trainees the sense of safety and expeditious flow of air traffic.

What skills does an air traffic instructor need?

An air traffic instructor needs 28 essential skills, including procedures associated with different air navigation areas, air traffic management, geographic information systems, geographical routes, pedagogy.

Will AI replace air traffic instructor jobs?

The AI disruption score for air traffic instructor is 40/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: geographical routes, write work-related reports, analyse data for aeronautical publications. Most resilient: teach air traffic control, operate airport control tower, surveillance radars.

Quick Facts

SectorEducation
ISCO GroupTeaching professionals
Essential Skills28

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