17 Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions and Answers

The responsibility of air traffic controllers is to keep aircraft safely separated while they’re in the air. This is a high-stress, high-stakes job that requires quick thinking, excellent communication skills, and calm under pressure. If you’re looking to become an air traffic controller, you’ll need to pass a rigorous training program and then ace a series of air traffic controller job interviews.

In order to help you prepare for your interview, we’ve put together a list of the most common air traffic controller interview questions. We’ve also included sample responses to help you get started.

Are you comfortable working in a high-pressure environment?

Air traffic control is a high-pressure job. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with the fast pace of the job and can handle stressful situations. In your answer, explain that you are prepared for the pressure of the job. Explain how you will use your skills to stay calm under pressure.

Example: “I am definitely prepared for the high-pressure environment of air traffic control. I have worked in customer service before, so I know what it’s like to work in a fast-paced environment. I also understand that mistakes happen, but I’m ready to learn from them and move on. I think my ability to remain calm under pressure makes me an excellent candidate for this position.”

What are some of the most important qualities an air traffic controller should have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest qualities that relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe some of the most important qualities an air traffic controller should have are patience, problem-solving skills and attention to detail. As an air traffic controller, I would need to remain calm under pressure while working with many different people at once. It’s also important to me that I am able to solve problems quickly and efficiently so that everyone remains safe. Finally, I think it is essential for an air traffic controller to pay close attention to details because even small mistakes could lead to serious consequences.”

How would you handle a situation where two planes are on a collision course?

Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safety of pilots and passengers. They must be able to make quick decisions that can affect many people’s lives. This question is designed to assess your decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I would first try to communicate with both planes to see if they could change their flight paths. If not, I would instruct one plane to take evasive action while guiding the other plane into a safe landing area. In this situation, it is important to remain calm and focused so you can make the right call.”

What is your experience with radar technology?

Air traffic controllers use radar technology to monitor the location of aircrafts in their airspace. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using this technology and can apply it effectively on the job. Before your interview, review your resume to see if you have any experience with radar technology. If you do, share an example of how you used it in a previous position.

Example: “I’ve worked as an air traffic controller for five years now. During that time, I’ve gained plenty of experience working with radar technology. In my last role, I was responsible for monitoring all incoming flights within our airspace. To do so, I relied heavily on radar technology to track each plane’s speed, altitude and location. This helped me ensure the safety of each flight while also making sure they stayed within FAA regulations.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided guidance that resulted in a smoother landing.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary to be an air traffic controller. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about what happened during the landing and how you helped make it successful.

Example: “When I was working as an air traffic controller at my previous job, there was one time when I noticed two planes were getting closer than they should have been. I immediately contacted both pilots to let them know of the situation and instructed them on how to avoid each other. The pilots followed my instructions and landed their planes without any issues.”

If a pilot asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, how would you respond?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. A good answer shows that you can research the answer and find a solution quickly.

Example: “I would ask them what they were looking for, so I could understand their question better. Then, I would look up the information in our database or call another controller who might know the answer. If I still didn’t have the answer after researching it, I would tell the pilot I was still looking into it and get back to them as soon as possible.”

What would you do if you made a mistake while directing planes?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to take responsibility for your actions and learn from them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to correct the mistake and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Example: “If I made a mistake while working as an air traffic controller, I would first apologize to the pilots involved and then immediately contact my supervisor so they could help me fix the situation. After that, I would review all of the procedures I used to direct planes to ensure I didn’t make the same mistake again. If I did, I would repeat the process until I got it right.”

How well do you handle stress?

Air traffic controllers often work in high-pressure environments. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of the job. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and give an example of a time when you did so successfully.

Example: “I have always been good at managing stress. I find that if I take deep breaths and focus on my task, I am able to calm myself down. When I was working as an air traffic controller trainee, there were times when I would get overwhelmed by the amount of information I had to process. However, I learned to take breaks every hour or so to help me stay focused. This helped me learn the position more quickly.”

Do you have any experience working with flight plans?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with air traffic control. If you have previous experience working with flight plans, describe how you handled them and what steps you took to ensure they were accurate. If you don’t have any experience working with flight plans, you can explain that you are willing to learn about this process if hired for the position.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with flight plans, but I am familiar with their purpose. In my last role as an air traffic controller, I was responsible for ensuring all aircraft had a valid transponder code before entering controlled airspace. This helped me understand the importance of flight plans and how important it is to verify information before allowing aircraft into the airspace.”

When directing a plane to land, what is the first thing you usually tell them?

This question is a test of your communication skills. It’s important to be able to clearly and concisely relay information to pilots in an emergency situation. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of clear communication with air traffic controllers.

Example: “The first thing I tell pilots when directing them to land is their altitude, speed and location. This helps me ensure they’re aware of where they are on the runway and how fast they need to slow down or speed up to avoid collisions. After this, I give them instructions for landing, such as which direction to turn and what angle to approach the runway at.”

We want our air traffic controllers to be adaptable. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a changing situation.

Air traffic control is a dynamic job that requires employees to be flexible and adaptable. Employers ask this question to see if you have the ability to adjust quickly in high-pressure situations. In your answer, explain how you handled the situation and what steps you took to make sure it didn’t happen again.

Example: “In my previous role as an air traffic controller, I had to work with several different teams of controllers. One day, one of our senior controllers was out sick, so I had to take over their team for the day. At first, I thought everything was going well, but then I noticed some mistakes they were making. I spoke with them privately about the issue and asked them to correct the mistake. They did, and we continued working together without any issues.”

Describe your strategy for handling multiple planes at once.

This question is a great way to test your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you take when handling multiple planes at once.

Example: “When I first start my shift, I review all of the incoming flights and determine which ones are most important. For example, if there’s an emergency landing or a plane that needs to land immediately, I will give them priority over other planes. After determining who gets priority, I then work on each flight in order based on their estimated time of arrival. This allows me to ensure that each plane has the appropriate amount of attention.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant abilities and soft skills.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me a great fit for this position. I have worked as an air traffic controller in my current job for five years, so I have plenty of experience with this type of work. My previous employer also gave me training in problem solving and conflict resolution, which has helped me develop these skills even further.”

Which software programs are you familiar with for tracking aircraft?

This question is a great way to determine how much experience you have with air traffic control software. You can answer this question by listing the programs you are familiar with and what they do.

Example: “I am most comfortable using Air Traffic Control Software, which allows me to track aircraft in real time. I also use Flight Planner, which helps me create flight plans for pilots that include details like departure times, routes and altitudes. Finally, I use Radar Display System, which shows radar data on my screen so I can monitor all incoming flights.”

What do you think is the most important skill an air traffic controller can have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a similar view on what skills are most important for this role. Your answer should show that you understand the job requirements and how they relate to your own skill set.

Example: “I think the most important skill an air traffic controller can have is problem-solving ability. This position requires someone who can make quick decisions, but it also needs someone who can solve problems in creative ways. I’ve always been good at solving problems, whether it’s figuring out a math equation or finding a solution to a challenging work situation.”

How often do you see planes flying in your area?

This question can help the interviewer determine how familiar you are with air traffic control and whether you have any experience working in an airport. Your answer should include a brief description of what planes look like when they’re flying, as well as your familiarity with common aircraft models.

Example: “I see planes flying all the time because I live near an airport. In fact, my parents used to take me there when I was younger so that I could watch the planes fly in and out. There are several different types of planes that I’m familiar with, including small private jets, large commercial passenger planes and military cargo planes.”

There is a snowstorm coming. How would you alter your strategy for directing planes?

This question is a great way to test your ability to adapt and make decisions in the moment. Your answer should show that you can think critically and creatively when faced with challenges.

Example: “I would first check if any planes were already in the air, then I would ask my team members for their opinions on how best to handle the situation. If there are no planes in the air, I would try to get as many planes down safely before the storm hits. Once the snow starts falling, I would focus on getting all planes back to the ground as quickly as possible so we could clear the runways of snow.”