Air Traffic Services Assistants otherwise known as ATSA’s play a crucial role in our delivery of keeping the skies safe. They work operationally,  alongside Air Traffic controller Officers (ATCOs) to ensure smooth and efficient movement of aircraft within our airspace and on the ground.

There are many types of ATSA roles within NATS, ranging anywhere from working in the Simulator as an ACPO (Aircraft Control Position Operator) helping train newly qualified ATCOs, all the way through to our more senior ATSA positions of FISO (Flight Information Services Officer) & CDO (Clearance Delivery Officer) in which you would require an RT (Radio Telephony) license and speak to live aircraft.

In addition to our operational ATSA positions we have a range of opportunities to progress into management positions within the ATSA community and are supported by the availability of online courses and mentorship throughout the business.

Some ATSA responsibilities typically include:

• Flight Plan Data Management: Compiling and maintaining accurate records of flight plans, aircraft movements and other relevant data in our systems. This information is vital for air traffic controllers to ensure the most up-to-date, live information is available to manage air traffic safely and efficiently.
• Communication and Coordination: Acting as a liaison between pilots, ATCOs, and other on the ground airport personnel. This involves working together as a team, relaying and receiving of messages in a timely manner, prioritising tasks and coordinating flight schedules and messages to ensure all parties are informed of any changes or updates that may affect the airspace.
• Air Traffic Systems: Overseeing various different air traffic control systems and equipment within the operation. Ensuring accurate inputs into these systems and editing information as requested. This includes radar displays, communication systems, flight data information systems closely monitoring their functionality and working with our engineering team to ensure smooth operations.
• Weather Reporting: Gathering and disseminating accurate and up-to date weather information to air traffic controllers and pilots.  This is essential for continued safe flight operations and gives us the ability to maximise capacity and manage emergency situations like diversions seamlessly within our airspace.
• Emergency Response: Assisting in the coordination of emergency procedures in the event of an incident or accident. Taking reporting action and working with the relevant internal departments and external authorities to provide accurate, timely information supporting ATCOs best manage the situation. This would also include supporting annual training plans for our ATCO and ATSA colleagues to ensure we are relevant and up to date with any procedure and system changes.
• Administrative Duties: Performing various tasks such as filing reports, maintaining logs, and managing documentation related to air traffic operations. Working with our Military colleagues and other ANSPs to keep up to date with any information that may affect our airspace and boundaries. Checking and briefing ourselves daily before entering the operation to ensure we have the most accurate information ensuring safety at all times.

In short, Air Traffic Services Assistants (ATSAs) play a crucial role at NATS being the link between different departments, systems and personnel to support their ATCO colleagues to ensure we Keep the Skies Safe. If you are interested in any of these positions and think this crucial role suits your skills and expertise please visit our vacancies area to check for current opportunities.