53-2021.00 · Task explorer
Air Traffic Controllers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 23 tasks, including 21 marked Core and 2 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
23 tasks shown
Core · Task 12731 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
Core · Task 12730 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
Core · Task 24061 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
Core · Task 12733 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
Core · Task 12738 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
Core · Task 12735 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
Core · Task 12732 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
Core · Task 12734 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
Core · Task 12739 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
Core · Task 12737 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
Core · Task 12728 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
Core · Task 12741 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
Core · Task 12740 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
Core · Task 20691 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
Core · Task 12747 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
Core · Task 12743 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.
Core · Task 12742 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.
Core · Task 12745 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
Core · Task 12744 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
Core · Task 12746 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.
Core · Task 12749 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
Supplemental · Task 12736 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
Supplemental · Task 12748 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
Keep your worksheet
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.