Before we talk about how Spain regulates its air traffic controllers, let's first look at the job and determine what an air traffic controller's duties and responsibilities are. An air traffic controller is the person responsible for providing Air Traffic Control (ATC) with the direction and altitude of aircraft passing through the airspace that it controls.

They have to ensure that multiple planes can pass through that airspace in a safe, controlled manner by granting pilots permission and providing them with the instructions necessary to pass through the airspace that is under their control. An air traffic controller must ensure that aircraft are kept a safe distance apart to avoid any midair collisions.

Many ATC controllers work in control centers away from airports

The work done by air traffic controllers is carried out in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers, usually located in or around large airports. En route controllers work in secure buildings which can be located in locations anywhere in the country.

An air traffic controller's main tasks are:

  • Stopping aircraft from colliding with each other while in the air
  • Preventing collisions or the hitting of objects such as buildings or antennas during take-offs and landings
  • Maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic
  • Proving information to the pilots to help them safely manage their flights
  • Reporting incidents to the relevant authorities should they be a problem or initiating search and rescue operations
Airplane Silhouette
Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

How to become an air traffic controller in Spain

To become an air traffic controller in Spain, you must first have an air traffic controller's license issued by an accredited member state in accordance with regulation 1015/340. If the license is from any country other than Spain, it must be exchanged for a Spanish air traffic controller's license.

ATC in Spain
Photo: ENAIRE

In 2010 Spain privatized air traffic control which now means that several private companies work in the sector. Despite this, all must adhere to the rules laid down in the 2015/340 regulations governing the control of air traffic in Spain.

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The process of becoming an air traffic controller in Spain is made up of four phases:

1. You must attend an air traffic control training school and complete the training itinerary, which comprises two parts.

  • Initial basic training, which covers theory common to all ATC students
  • When the practical theory has been completed, you are then subjected to simulator training

During the training, you will need to obtain the following ratings:

  • Virtual aerodrome control on instruments
  • Aerodrome control with tower ratings
  • Air and ground movement control
  • Aerodrome radar control
  • Ground movement monitoring and (GMS) endorsements
  • Approach control procedures
  • Approach surveillance control with the endorsement of terminal control rating, precision approach radar, and surveillance radar approach
  • Control procedures for area surveillance
  • Terminal control rating and ocean control rating

2. You must receive a student of air traffic controller license (SATCO). A certificate saying that you have successfully completed the initial training and that all parts relevant to 2015/340 have been met. If everything is in order, you will then be issued with a license by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

3. Unity formation, Once in possession of a license, you will be required to take a course of training which is made up of three parts:

  • Theoretical transition training
  • On the job training with an experienced air traffic controller under the supervision of an on the job training instructor (OJTI)
  • Pre on the job training when taking place in complex and dense units

4. Being issued with an air traffic controller's license (ATOC)

Once all the conditions above are met, you will be issued with an air traffic controller's license from the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA)

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