How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in Ghana

Being an air traffic controller is an exciting experience and could be a highly rewarding job. But the big question is how exactly can one become an air traffic controller?   Many people who would have excelled at being air traffic controllers do not even get to become one due to the paucity of information available to them when making a career choice.

Air traffic controllers are very respected professionals. Their importance and relevance in many aviation sectors across the world makes them indispensable and sought after in the industry.

On the road to a career as an air traffic controller, you’re going to have to make many decisions as there are many different training routes, financing options and career paths to choose.

However, the big question still remains, how can one become an air traffic controller in Ghana? Well, in this article, we’ll take you through the process of becoming a certified air traffic controller in Ghana.

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in Ghana

The first step to becoming a professional air traffic controller is by knowing who you are and what your job requires of you in the long run. Air traffic controllers are experts who guide pilots by providing relevant information required to either take off or during flights.

Their work is aided by the use of appropriate technology which allows them to observe air traffic in a given area thus making recommendations easier based on information available to them. In the case of an uneventful situation at the airport or turbulence in weather, air traffic controllers are expected to give all assistance required for a safe landing.

There are several steps that you need to take to become an air traffic controller in Ghana. You will need to go through years of education, training and certification to be considered a professional. This article will help you to achieve your goal of becoming a professional air traffic controller in Ghana.

Read Also: How to Become a Pilot in Ghana

Requirements for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in Ghana

To get accepted as a prospective student studying to become an air traffic controller in an aviation school, you should meet the following requirements;

• Age: Applicants must be at least 17 years old. This is the minimum age before you can even gain accepted into aviation schools in Ghana.
• English requirements: Prospective applicants must also be fluent in English and any other native language. English is the language of aviation internationally. It is recommended have an excellent command of the language since you might be working with international airline service providers
• Educational requirements: Have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics, English, Physics, Geography, and any other science subjects. Those who have a degree in previous fields can also apply provided they would pass the entrance examinations for prospective students.

What Certification Should I have

At the end of your studies in any aviation school of your choice, you would be provided with a certificate that shows your competence and skills required to be employed as an air traffic controller. Also, you should get certifications that are recognised and approved by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a regulatory agency of the Republic of Ghana for air transportation in the country.

Below are some aviation schools in Ghana that you can consider applying to for training as an air traffic controller

• Institute of Aviation and Professional Studies
• Ghana CAA Aviation Training Academy
• APTECH Aviation & Hospitality Academy
• Mish Aviation

How Long is the Training Period for Air Traffic Controllers

Well, the training period for air traffic controllers depends on the route which you follow. While a degree earned within 3-4 years shows you have the basic experience, you may be required to go for further training lasting a year with approved training centres or you employers might take the burden of facilitating in house lessons and training to make you a better air traffic controller.

How Much Does an Air Traffic Controller Earn

According to mywage.org, the salary range for Air traffic controllers ranges from GH₵690.12 to GH₵5,996.74 per month depending on their experience and level of education.

How do I Improve in My Career?

Well, your earning potential is based on how quickly you are able to learn the technical aspects of your job while also working efficiently in junior positions while starting out.

Air traffic controllers who are considered highly skilled can get promotions to work in more complex roles and in busier control towers and traffic control centres. They can also be involved in training early-career students on the rudiments of their profession.