Navy air traffic controllers direct and control air traffic around aircraft carriers and naval bases, ensuring the safety of pilots and preventing mid-air collisions. They require a college degree and extensive on-the-job training, and are responsible for monitoring enemy fighters during conflict situations.
A Navy air traffic controller is responsible for directing and controlling air traffic in the vicinity of an aircraft carrier or naval base. Normally, a Navy air traffic controller only establishes radio contact with military pilots, although controllers may try to make contact with civilian pilots who stray into naval airspace. Like civilian controllers, a military controller must complete a college degree and undergo extensive on-the-job training.
Naval forces in many countries use aircraft carriers to transport military jets and other aircraft to various locations around the world. Pilots operate these craft and these individuals are responsible for intercepting enemy fighter jets and carrying out reconnaissance missions. As naval pilots often fly missions in remote ocean areas, onboard air traffic controllers are needed to direct the flow of air traffic and ensure that mid-air collisions do not occur. Furthermore, many naval operations are top secret; in this case, the military tends to use naval air traffic controllers rather than civilian controllers, even though naval pilots operate in commercial airspace.
Aircraft carriers are in constant motion, which means that pilots are dependent on air traffic controllers to guide them to these ships after missions are completed. Compared to airfields, naval frigates have relatively little room to manoeuvre, meaning controllers have to ensure decks are clear before pilots can be allowed to land. As with civilian controllers, a Navy air traffic controller must also consider weather conditions before releasing a pilot to take off or land naval aircraft.
During conflict situations, a Navy air traffic controller will monitor the airspace around a ship or naval base to track enemy fighters that may pose a threat to naval forces. The controller must alert naval pilots to these threats. Typically, one controller is assigned to each aircraft carrier; controllers on ships operating in the same waters must liaise with each other to ensure that their ships’ planes do not collide. In some circumstances, navy controllers may also come into contact with air force pilots if other military units are providing air cover for naval frigates.
Generally, a Navy Air Traffic Controller must complete a four-year degree in aerospace engineering or a similar topic. Like other members of the armed forces, controllers must successfully pass basic training, and in many cases these individuals must spend several months or years at naval training academies before applying for controller jobs. Normally, only officers can apply for controller positions.
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