Dear Rahul,
I am not from Air Port Authority but served as an Air Traffic Control Officer in the Indian Air Force (last assignment as Director in the rank of Air Commodore). While serving on higher posts i had lot of interaction with Civil ATC set-up (Airport Authority) & DGCA. After my retirement, i was also appointed as a Member of the Inquiry (headed by Hon'ble Justice R.C. Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India) instituted to investigate the mid-air collision over CHARKHI - DADRI involving Saudi Arabian airline's Boeing 747 and Kazakhstan chartered IL-76 flight resulting in loss of 349 lives. Palam ATC was under cloud then but subsequently it turned out to be wrong conjecturing by media. This brief background on my experience will help you to rely on the answers to your queries.
1. Its a good career. Congrats!
2. The job is challenging requiring split second decisions; it will test your nerves. Hence the need to be extra alert while on duty.
3. At junior levels, you will be on shift duties unless posted at low key stations.
4. After your training you will initially be employed as an Aerodrome Controller, gradually moving to Approach, Area & Radar controlling.
5. Each stage/assignment will have a "Rating" and a corresponding allowance attached with it.
6. Postings/transfers will be all over India, thus enbling you to see the entire country & be part of national integration.
7. Air Traffic in India is growing at a rapid rate resulting in demand for more controllers; hence the intake will increase to make up the shortage.
8. U.K. has an efficient joint civil/military set-up, called NATS (National Air Traffic Services). Unfortunately, in India, the desired switch over is not being encouraged due to vested interests.
9. Air Traffic Controllers in India have a strong Union, which, unfortunately, is known to resort to "NO work" often. Advise you to be guided by principles.
10. Lastly, at times, you will feel you would have been better off somewhere else. This is the natural human tendency; guard against such feelings.
Please feel free to contact me thru email ;
tpannu@gmail.com whenver you need any advice & more info.
Good luck!
T. Pannu
