Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions

Air traffic controllers’ primary concern is safety, but they also must direct aircraft efficiently to minimize delays. They manage the flow of aircraft into and out of the airport airspace, guide pilots during takeoff and landing, and monitor aircraft, as they travel through the skies. Air Traffic Controllers usually manage multiple aircraft at the same time and must make quick decisions to ensure the safety of the aircraft.

For example, a controller might direct one aircraft on its landing approach, while providing another aircraft with weather information.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Air Traffic Controller or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Air Traffic Controller position, these Air Traffic Controller interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Air Traffic Controller interview questions.

1. What kind of technology would you expect to work within an air traffic control tower?
2. What are the different kinds of roles played in the job of an Air Traffic Controller?
3. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an emergency. What happened? How did you remain calm in the situation?
4. Who is a Tower Controller?
5. Air Traffic Controller's must remain calm at all times, what are your coping mechanisms in times of distress?
6. Why should we hire you as our next Air Traffic Controller?
7. What would you do in the case of a major crash?
8. What have you done to improve your knowledge as an Air Traffic Controller in the past 6 months?
9. Suppose it is raining heavily in your city but it is all clear at the place where the flight will land, would you allow the flight to take off?
10. What are your career goals as an Air Traffic Controller?
11. What basic tasks would you perform as an Air Traffic Controller to ensure the safety of travelers and airline employees?
12. What experience do you have using team based messaging applications?
13. What do you like least about being an Air Traffic Controller?
14. Suppose there is a delay in flights and a few flights are already on a runway and two more are about to come, what would you do in that situation?
15. Do you have any air traffic control experience outside of CTI school?

Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Air Traffic Controller interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

1. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
2. Why Should We Hire You?
3. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
4. What is Your Greatest Strength?
5. Why Do You Want This Job?
6. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
7. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
8. Tell Me About Yourself
9. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
10. What is Your Salary Expectation?