O*NET-SOC 53-2021.00

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.Core12731
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.Core12728
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.Core12735
Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.Core12732
Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.Core12733
Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.Core12729
Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.Core12734
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.Core12730
Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.Core12736
Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.Core12739
Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.Core12738
Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.Core12737
Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.Core12740
Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.Core20691
Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.Core12741
Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.Core12742
Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.Core12744
Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.Core12743
Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.Core12747
Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.Supplemental12745
Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.Supplemental12746
Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.Core12748
Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.Core12749

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 19 examples in 11 categories, 8 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Document management software

Adobe AcrobatHot Technology

Expert system software

Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
Automated radar terminal systems ARTS
Center TRACON automation systems CTAS

Flight control software

Direct-to-tool software
En route descent advisor EDA
Expedite departure path EDP software
Final approach spacing tool FAST
Flight simulation software
Multi-center traffic management advisor McTMA
Traffic management advisor TMA software

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Web page creation and editing software

Really Simple Syndication RSS

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

SAP softwareHot Technology

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor vehicle movement or location.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Processing Information

Compile operational data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Plan flight operations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Adjust routes or speeds as necessary.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Direct vehicle traffic.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

Operate communications equipment or systems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record operational details of travel.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Respond to transportation emergencies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Train transportation or material moving personnel.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Coordinate flight control or management activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct emergency management activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 17

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.