A navy air traffic controller is in charge of directing and controlling air traffic around a naval base or aircraft carrier. A navy air traffic controller usually only communicates with military pilots via radio, though controllers may try to communicate with civilian pilots who stray into naval airspace. Military controllers, like civilian controllers, must earn a bachelor’s degree and undergo extensive on-the-job training.
Many countries’ naval forces use aircraft carriers to transport military jets and other planes to various destinations around the world. These craft are piloted by pilots who are in charge of intercepting enemy fighters and conducting reconnaissance missions. On-board air traffic controllers are required because naval pilots frequently conduct missions in remote ocean areas. They direct the flow of air traffic and ensure that no mid-air collisions occur. Furthermore, many naval operations are classified, so the military prefers to use naval air traffic controllers over civilian controllers, even if naval pilots are flying in commercial airspace.
Because aircraft carriers are constantly in motion, pilots rely on air traffic controllers to direct them to them after missions are completed. Naval frigates have limited maneuverability compared to airfields, so controllers must ensure that decks are clear before allowing pilots to land. A navy air traffic controller, like civilian controllers, must consider weather conditions before giving pilots clearance to take off or land naval aircraft.
During a conflict, a navy air traffic controller will keep track of enemy fighters that may pose a threat to naval forces by monitoring the airspace around a ship or naval base. Any such threats must be communicated to naval pilots by the controller. Each aircraft carrier is usually assigned one controller; controllers on ships operating in the same waters must communicate with one another to ensure that their planes do not collide. If other military units are providing air cover to naval frigates, navy controllers may also make contact with air force pilots.
A four-year degree in aerospace engineering or a related field is typically required of a navy air traffic controller. Controllers, like other members of the armed forces, must complete basic training and, in many cases, spend several months or years at naval training academies before applying for controller positions. Officers are usually the only ones who can apply for controller positions.