Blog 05 - A DAY IN LIFE OF A FEMALE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WORKS AT BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

A DAY IN LIFE OF A FEMALE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WORKS AT BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

People and Organizations (Assignment MBA of London Metropolitan University) by Shehani Perera


The day in the life of a female Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is full of energy at any given minute. Continuous updates from different control towers, aircrafts that arrive and depart, fellow controllers who check weather and other updates keep this operation going. But what is unique about being an Air Traffic Controller is the fact that they not only have to take instantaneous decisions but they have to think and act fast all the time. 

For one to be qualified as an ATC they need to face around seven exams in addition to interviews and get security clearances prior to obtaining their licenses. Then there are simulated practicals at allocated centers and they need to train for 180 hours under a licensed controller to complete the on-the-job training. Then they have to do live air traffic controlling while officials from the Civil Aviation Authority observe. It is after all these procedures one become qualified as a licensed Air Traffic Controller.

The responsibilities and tasks assigned to an Air Traffic Controller may look almost the same but the experiences and the scenarios they face are different on any given day. Seated in the hot seat at the BIA’s ATC tower, the ladies not only have a bird’s eye view of what is happening in the surroundings, but they need to observe even a slight change in the surroundings and report it to the relevant department.

The ladies are stationed in Jaffna, Mattala and other centers four times a year, irrespective of whether they are newly married or not. Some ladies would have to carry their infants with them once they are assigned to outstations. However the ladies are capable of performing the assigned duty regardless of any other reason and it is their passion and team spirit in addition to being smart.

References

Mirror, D. (2023, 08 21). Daily Mirror. Retrieved from Life: https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/life/BIAs-female-Air-Traffic-Controllers/243-262770

 

Comments

  1. Agreed. Throughout the year, female ATCs are stationed at different centers, including Jaffna and Mattala, for short periods. This rotation occurs quarterly, irrespective of whether they are newly married or have other personal commitments (Stelzer & Klein,2021). In some cases, these dedicated professionals may even need to bring their infants along when assigned to outstations. Despite potential challenges, these female ATCs approach their duties with unwavering determination and teamwork, proving their passion for the profession and their ability to excel under any circumstances (Bandara & Fernando,2019).

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  2. Very interesting and concise article.We see more women taking up these challenging positions,sacrificing their personal life so that they can follow their dreams.What would be the academic qualifications necessary to qualify for this role?

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  3. An interesting reading.
    The passage describes the dynamic and demanding nature of the life of a female Air Traffic Controller (ATC). It highlights the constant energy and quick decision-making required due to continuous updates from control towers, aircraft movements, and weather conditions. The unique challenge lies in the need for instant decisions and fast thinking. The rigorous qualification process involves multiple exams, interviews, security clearances, practical training, and live air traffic controlling under observation.

    The responsibilities of ATCs are consistent, but the daily experiences and scenarios vary. These women work in various locations and situations, even if it means being stationed away from home, and some manage family responsibilities as well. The success of female ATCs is attributed to their passion, team spirit, and intelligence.

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  4. An interesting article about ladis in the ATC in Sri Lanka. Indeed, it is a huge responsibility and requires unique talent to perform their duties well and safely. Obviously, the ladies contribution to ATC is absolutely commandable. Further, air traffic controllers hold a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. They are responsible for guiding aircraft during takeoff, landing, and throughout their journeys, managing airspace to prevent collisions and maintain orderly traffic flow. The precision and split-second decision-making demanded of air traffic controllers are critical to preventing accidents and minimising delays. Their vigilance, communication skills, and ability to manage high-pressure situations are paramount, underscoring their essential contribution to safe and seamless air travel operations.

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  6. Hi Shehani, The insightful portrayal of a day in the life of a female Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at Bandaranaike International Airport provides a window into the dynamic and demanding environment these professionals navigate daily. The sheer volume of responsibilities and the rapid pace of decision-making underscore the criticality of the ATC role (Smith, 2019). The rigorous qualification process, encompassing a series of exams, interviews, security clearances, simulated practicals, and intensive on-the-job training, illustrates the high standards and meticulousness required in the field (Jones and Williams, 2021).

    Furthermore, the blog touches on the distinctive challenges female ATCs encounter, particularly those pertaining to familial responsibilities. Yet, the adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by these women, even when stationed in outstations with infants in tow, is a testament to their passion and dedication to their profession (Watson, 2020). It's noteworthy that while the tasks may appear consistent, the unpredictability of the scenarios faced by ATCs means every day brings a fresh set of challenges (Davis, 2018). The role played by female ATCs at Bandaranaike International Airport and their ability to monitor minute changes in their surroundings serves as a reminder of the complexity and significance of their contribution to aviation safety. Good Read!

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  7. Great Article!! In addition to the points you've provided, Air Traffic Controllers are crucial to the safety and efficiency of air travel. Their duties include managing aircraft movement, issuing real-time directions, making split-second judgments, and dealing with emergency circumstances. Given the high degree of talent, training, and stress involved with the job, some ATCs may believe they are underpaid for the demands of their career.(Flying High . . .. BIA’s Female Air Traffic Controllers - Life Online) Do you think that air traffic controllers are underpaid for their skills in Sri Lanka?

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