Air traffic controllers are well known for working in control towers at airports, but the majority actually work in area control centres. They are responsible for the en-route stage of the aircraft, using radar to track its exact position, keeping it safe in the airspace and providing the most efficient route. Approach controllers deal with instrument landing systems, which allow some planes to make automatic landings, and ensure that planes are placed in holding patterns when airports are busy. They take over from the area controllers as the aircraft is approaching the airport. They give initial clearance for the aircraft to approach the airport and put all approaching aircraft into a sequence to create the most efficient order for landing. At the last stage, aerodrome controllers take over. They are the ones who are at the top of the control towers and they guide the pilots in to make a safe landing. The towers enable them to have good all-round viewing of the aerodrome. They ensure that the aircraft gets to its parking stand safely and that those leaving the stands reach the runway safely. In some busy airports, the aerodrome controllers are divided into air control and ground control. In addition to carrying out the same take-off and landing procedures as civilian air traffic controllers, air traffic controllers in the RAF also make sure that air bases are maintained and prepared for emergencies. They also communicate with civilian air authorities to ensure civilian aircraft can pass safely through their airspace. Tasks may vary depending on whether you work as an area, approach or aerodrome controller, but they include: • keeping radio and radar contact with aircraft; • directing the movement of aircraft en route or at an airport; • instructing aircraft to climb or descend and allocating final cruising level; • providing information to aircraft about weather conditions; • making sure that minimum distances are maintained between planes; • handling unexpected events, emergencies and unscheduled traffic. Duties specific for approach and aerodrome controllers include: • controlling movements on and off runways; • handling the ground movement of planes around the terminals; • handling the ground movement of vehicles around the airport. • Air traffic controllers usually work either in area control centres or in airport control towers. They are typically required to stay at their desk or station for two hours before having a break. The busy work and amount of concentration required can lead to tiredness and a feeling of pressure. The office environment is normally made comfortable so it aids the controllers in their critical work. • Jobs are available at the NATS control centres located in Swanwick and Prestwick. There are also opportunities in the airports across the UK in control towers. Some are managed by NATS, while others are run by private companies or the airport itself. • Employees of NATS may be required to move to different locations depending on company needs and this is often written into contracts. • Self-employment or freelance work is virtually impossible. • Air traffic controllers are subject to the Rail and Transport Safety Act (as are train drivers and air pilots). This act sets strict limits on blood-alcohol levels (well below the drink/drive levels) and drugs are forbidden. Random testing can take place. • Overseas work or travel is uncommon but it is possible to move with overseas employers, notably in North America and the Middle East. Extra Sources Gartner. (2013, September 4). Gartner says most collaboration applications will be equally available across multiple devices by 2016. Retrieved from http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2584115 Mann, J. (2013, September 1). Gartner: Benefits of mobile collaboration. Retrieved from http://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/Gartner-Benefits-of-mobile-collaboration Te'eni, D., Carey, J. M., & Zhang, P. (2007). Human-Computer Interaction: Developing Effective Organizational Information Systems. Chapter 12. [PPT file]. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Retrieved from http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=resource&bcsId=3151&itemId=0471677655&resourceId=7885 Usability First. (2014). Collaborative software (Groupware). Retrieved from http://www.usabilityfirst.com/about-usability/web-application-design/collaborative-software-groupware/ Hershkowitz, M. (2011, June 1). Strategies for Collaboration Technologies and User Adoption. Unified Communication. Retrieved from http://www.tmcnet.com/ucmag/features/articles/194209-strategies-collaboration-technologies-user-adoption.htm