Senior Associate - ATCO

Job Purpose

The ATCO is responsible for the smooth radio and airfield operations at Air India's FTO and ensuring high safety standards during operations. This includes managing ATC operations and assisting cadet pilots with theoretical and practical knowledge on civil aviation radio telephony and meteorology. The Air Traffic Control Officer will support the Senior ATCO for collection, compilation, and reporting of data in accordance with the procedures of the Flying Training Organization.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure efficient and smooth functioning of ATC operations, navigational aids, and safety services
• Establish and monitor ATC procedures and SOPs to manage all air traffic at the concerned airfield
• Responsible for complete and correct promulgation of data to DGCA India in accordance with the procedures of the approved flying training manual of Air India FTO, as per prescribed aircraft rules and regulations
• Preserve all data documents as needed to assist in search and rescue during emergencies or missing aircraft situations
• Lead implementation and utilization of all digital systems for ATC operations
• Ensure safe and efficient conduct of airport traffic and airfield operations
• Manage all air traffic operational functions within the FTO
• Maintain proper documentation of records as per norms and regulations
• Define and execute watch hours in conjunction with training requirements and ensure compliance
• Coordinate with the airfield operator for functions like instrument and night flights
• Liaise with neighboring airfields and the Area Control Centre for smooth operation of flying training aircraft movements
• Obtain daily clearances from neighboring airfields and Area Control Centre for FIC/ADC compliance
• Assist the Flight Safety Team in conducting mock drills and local audits
• Provide periodic debriefings to staff and cadets on ATC management, CARs, and updates
• Ensure dispatch forms of each flight are submitted between each flight
• Obtain and record meteorological information and navigational status from neighboring airfields for aircraft safety
• Ensure firefighting facility category and medical tie-ups are maintained per FTO requirements
• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, peer pricing, and business development strategies
• Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned by reporting officer or HR

Skills Required for the Role

• Strong leadership
• Decision-making agility
• Strategic planning
• Motivational skills
• Communication skills
• Safety commitment
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety incidents due to communication mismanagement
• Operating efficiency of training during commercial traffic
• Airfield operational time achieved based on defined watch hours

Key Interfaces

Internal Interfaces

• Collaboration with Aviation Academy
• FTO team at Air India

External Interfaces

• Airport operator
• Regional ATMs
• Cadets
• Regulatory authorities
• Other vendors

Educational and Experience Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 2+ years as an Air Traffic Controller in Defense/AAI/FTO/Civil establishments
• Aviation background with an RTR license
• Dispatchers or personnel with AAI/Air Force/FTO ATC experience of 2+ years
• Experience in defining SOPs for air traffic operations
• No accident or incident in the last 3/1 years