ATC - Groom the Guardians

Efficient, competent and experienced air traffic controllers are vital to a safe flying environment. Even a seemingly minor error can result in a scare or a disaster.

Recent surge in oil prices notwithstanding, the aviation scenario in India, along with other segments of the economy, is altering rapidly. All sectors on the trajectory of exponential growth are severely constrained by infrastructural bottlenecks. This is where the similarity ends. In any other sector, lack of infrastructure would impinge on financial prosperity. In the aviation sector, such a situation could translate into serious hazard for the aircraft, passengers and crew.

The triad that support aviation comprise pilots, maintenance engineers and air traffic controllers (ATCs). In the wake of the unprecedented boom in aviation, there is an acute shortage in all three categories. Enough and more has been said about the shortage of pilots and engineers in various fora but there is inadequate focus on the shortage of ATCs who form an equally vital component of the system.

ATCs are responsible for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic, both on the ground and in the air. A pilot in command of an aircraft is required to implicitly follow instructions of the ATC with complete faith in his professional capability and competence. Unlike pilots, ATCs work far away from public gaze or media glare, often confined to semi-darkened rooms crammed with electronic equipment.