International Day of the Air Traffic Controller — is a professional holiday for air traffic controllers and air traffic control workers. It is celebrated annually on October 20.
On October 20, 1961, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations (IFATCA) was created in Amsterdam. This event was such a significant milestone in the history of the development of air transport that it became the basis for the emergence of a new professional holiday.
Since its formation, the number of IFATCA member associations has grown to 137, represented by more than 50 thousand air traffic controllers around the world. Among air traffic controllers, there is a — rule, work must be performed regardless of any circumstances or working conditions.
The safety of passengers in the sky is in the hands not only of pilots and technicians, but also of these people on the ground. Air traffic controllers (or air traffic controllers) have a huge responsibility and the highest demands are placed on their professionalism. These specialists must monitor and ensure the safe and orderly movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air to prevent them from colliding, and in special situations — provide the aircraft crew with the necessary assistance.
Control over the movement of the aircraft is carried out from the moment the engine starts, before takeoff at the departure airfield, until taxiing to the parking lot after landing at the destination airfield and « wiring» of the aircraft there along the desired route.
Therefore, in order to successfully complete their work, specialists in this profession must have knowledge of aviation rules, aircraft flight performance characteristics, air navigation, aviation meteorology, and English.
Air traffic control specialists are required not only to have perfect professional skills, but also to have special psychological training. It is no coincidence that this profession has one of the highest image, authority and social status in the world.
Today's holiday — is an opportunity for dispatchers around the world to once again emphasize the importance of their profession, attract public attention to their work, declare their achievements and formulate plans and goals for the future.
Postcard «International Air Traffic Controller Day»