Air Traffic Control

A scene when a pilot is desperately trying to manage an uncontrollable airplane and air traffic control specialist does everything possible for the safe landing has become a cliche in many disaster movies.

Over the past few years air traffic controllers in Lithuania receive the highest wages. This is not without a reason, as thousands of human lives depend on the decisions made by these specialists. In the control zone observed by the air traffic controller there may be up to 20 airplanes with more than 100 people in each.

The graduates of the air traffic control integrated study programme acquire aeronautical engineering master's degree and have an opportunity to gain the air traffic controller's license. The graduates have comprehensive knowledge and skills to manage and control air traffic, to ensure a safe air space, and maintain radio connection.

Air traffic control specialists are divided into three groups: airport, airport zone, and air controllers.

Airport air traffic specialists coordinate flights in and around a particular airport from the air traffic control tower located on the airport grounds. Airport zone specialists manage incoming and outgoing flights 50 km range around a particular airport. Air flight specialists coordinate transit aircraft traffic through controlled airspace, prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots.