What It Takes To Be An Air Traffic Controller At The World's Busiest Airport | Business Insider

Air traffic controllers at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are in charge of 909,431 takeoffs and landings at the world's busiest airport (in a normal year). But the job isn't easy. Not only are lives on the line, but any mistake at Atlanta could cause a ripple effect of delays across the country and the world. Pre-pandemic, Business Insider went up inside America's tallest air traffic control tower to learn what it takes to be one of 58 air traffic controllers here.
Correction: The video incorrectly states that Atlanta tower directed 190,000 flights in 2019. The accurate number is 909,431 flights in 2019.
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What It Takes To Be An Air Traffic Controller At The World's Busiest Airport | Business Insider

[@mcbam989]

I was in school to be an Air Traffic Controller. I got really sick because I needed a new kidney. I figured a year or two and I could get my life back on track. 8 years later I’m still waiting on a kidney and I’ve aged out because I’m 31. Every time I drive past the Atlanta Airport and see the Control tower it brings a tear to my eye because there is nothing I wanted more than to be an ATC.

[@lanceeeee1]

God bless you man I’m sorry to hear about that but please keep chasing your dreams!

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

I retired from ATC after 34 years, I still miss it. I appreciate your desire to have been one. I enjoy online flight sim flying now, and they have 2 ATC providers on line, VATSIM and I believe IVAO. Look into it online, join them, they will guide you as to the nature of the work. I believe you can train as a radar or tower controller. Often it gets quite hectic, but you may enjoy it and dry out the tears.

[@munaalimoallim9358]

@@rubenvillanueva8635 how much is you net worth of do you got mansion

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

@@munaalimoallim9358 - A bit personal, but let us just say, I am living very comfortably.

[@773-o2n]

@@rubenvillanueva8635 may i know which one you think is the busiest at the airport u were working at? Ground tower or radar?

[@devt8558]

These guys are some of the best people out there. I can't imagine the amount of pressure they go through.

[@Patchzz]

its said to be one of the jobs that have the highest suicide rate in the world because of the stress

[@iVince905]

@BAD Bleep he’s right. One of the highest suicide rates in terms of careers.

[@ashtonduda9971]

@@Patchzz not true

[@ashtonduda9971]

@BAD Bleep this is not entirely true

[@cstwister]

@@ashtonduda9971 he said one of, which is true

[@Thehumanoidtyphoon_]

As a fellow tower controller, these guys are the pinnacle of professional. The world would stop moving without these guys being at the top of the game. Keep up the good work guys.

[@idontgotagun9867]

What are some tips you’d give to someone who just finished highschool anf wants to become an Air traffic controller? Should i go to the Airforce or go to school for that?

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

@@idontgotagun9867 - I thought I had replied to you, but I could not find it. So let me do it again. If you are serious, willing to study, accept constructive criticism, learn, remember and recall information, then yes, take the Civil Service exam for it. Joining the USAF, is not a bad idea, but you cannot be guaranteed that you will be assigned to the ATC career field. The USAF, places people where they need them. You have to ask yourself the question, " Do I Feel Lucky?". Saying that, the experience you have handling, fighters, and all sorts of mixed types of aircraft is priceless. And emergencies, you can experience things that will never happen with civil aircraft and you will learn how to handle it, and often times multiple emergencies. I believe there is a published book, that you can purchase and familiarise yourself with the types of questions you get. If you pass the exam, you are invited to attend the ATC Academy, Oklahoma City, OK. Wash out rate is very high, they are looking for the best. All the best to you. Keep in touch.

[@garyescobar6831]

You were never tower controller...

[@toddvandagrifft84]

No. This isn't it man.

[@chrisstromberg6527]

Chicago, SOCAL, NY are much better to deal with!

[@RyanKohout]

As a Delta pilot based in ATL, you guys do a great job. Thank You!

[@aviationdude1]

Atlanta *is* a major Delta hub...

[@jaredr9740]

@@aviationdude1 um so?

[@bryanitdoesntmatter8451]

As an air traffic controller, you do not. Do your job, read a book.

[@RyanKohout]

@@bryanitdoesntmatter8451 But that's not really how it works...

[@Someone-ln8vk]

@@RyanKohoutChallenge: If you touch the cloud while flying, you're gay

[@tar_las]

“I don’t think many people can handle what we do” Me: I don’t wanna handle what you do

[@bossbabehabits1202]

Facts lol

[@leihtory7423]

definitely not a profession for a forgetful clutz like me.

[@PapaG603]

Man i want that pressure..i also love aviation

[@potentspirit3096]

One can do anything they put their consciousness towards.. Salute these men and their career of choice. One thing I love abt this left right country. You can choose what you wanna do.

[@justellee6759]

This is what my major is about👀

[@ryanjordan1083]

"There's never really a slow period." *a wild 2020 appears*

[@Sincewayback1997]

Still the busiest the airport with 110k so far this year

[@byronp1966]

@@Sincewayback1997 and

[@thecomedypilot5894]

Atlanta is still super busy right now lol

[@damaribrackett1159]

At least they got a break for a whole year

[@lillyie]

you do realize this is uploaded on 2020

[@ImportedfromUK]

I just aged 5 years from the stress of watching these guys work, God damn.

[@omariii1546]

Seriously! I was tired and stressed before the video even ended 😂

[@tmkclips3256]

Same 🤣

[@202triciae]

I kind of laugh when you said you age 5 years just watching in some stress and I'll honesty and I don't want to anything, but anything that stresses you does is age. My youngest daughter took her life 4 years ago and I've 3 older children and I swear to God. I age to about a 100 and the entire month or 2 afterwards. I couldn't go up and downstairs. I couldn't drive my car. I couldn't move your outer work due to COVID so that actually worked. Then I didn't have to get up in the morning. And I literally every joint every muscle of my body hurt and the day I found out I actually thought I was having a heart attack. Cause the pain in your chest is so severe. But driving from New Jersey to PA. Where she had been found by her husband at their home. My 2 girls who were driving car who were 40. They said they had the exact same pain so I felt better. I'm like, okay, I guess I'm not having a heart attack, but in all honesty, all I said almost every day is I am not going to. Survive this. I am not gonna survive this is that's how you feel, but getting back to your comment. Eia Tl controllers II couldn't even imagine that sort of a stressful job. I work for New Jersey taxation. And I have 375 taxpayers but enroll honesty. I've probably only spoken about 20% of them. And I've just do that rest of their work online. And the emails so it's me who's doing my own pace and doing things when I want to pick up a phone call? If I don't want to pick up a phone call. I always contact pairs every day but I don't have to take the call immediately. Because what I do is nothing urgent. It's doing just planning them to make payments and things like that towards their taxes. I could never be. I gave them a lot of credit and that's all air traffic controllers.Sorry about I didn't miss belt words.I was doing speech to text and we read this to correct it because i'm too tired

[@rafaelc4488]

lol 😂 Gotdamn is right I was stressed out too . It at 70 dollars a hour 145k a year Shish

[@VastKnowledge]

These guys will definitely hit the high scores in games like Overcooked or Cooking Mama. On a serious note, kudos to all air traffic controllers! You make our airports safe and efficient! 👍🏅:)

[@carpetmagic5713]

did not like cus it was on 169

[@toro514]

Thank you, and yes I love overcooked.

[@Trolleyatthestation]

agree

[@lightx5757]

Though the pay is good, I don’t think I’d want to be because it “requires lots of focus” and I just want to have fun for the job. Not slaving away on Delta 222 unable to takeoff because their degree is from and Online Webster

[@RajeshRajesh-dv2nn]

jooooookll

[@scottthompson8946]

As a 30 yr pilot who has done THOUSANDS of landings, I can say the ATL guys are among the best in the world.

[@Kauffman578]

Who are the worst in the world?;

[@JohnnyBeatmann]

@@Kauffman578 the guys who pretends to have THOUSANDS of landigs age 30

[@charlottemarr3514]

@@JohnnyBeatmann I read that as his piloting career is at 30 years and by then you'd definitely have done thousands.

[@fligirl00]

@@charlottemarr3514 that’s how I read it as well… 30 yr not 30 yr old

[@one7decimal2eight]

lol. Everyone thinking he said he is 30 years old. As a 30 year pilot...meaning as a pilot who has been flying for 30 years. Comprehension is hard!

[@H0seaa]

My dad retired last year and he was an Air Traffic Controller for 25 years! I can tell you that it is an extraordinarily stressful job, I got to see it firsthand all my life. It's not for everyone, but the pay is great! They work very strange hours and I'm glad to finally see him relax, though he has trouble doing so now which we joke about. Good Job to any other ATCs watching this!

[@ordinary_magician]

30 planes at once... that would give me a heart attack

[@bazirao]

Haha.. true

[@rkevic]

Reminds me of the one game in iOS where u land A/C

[@Unknown_Ooh]

You don't start at ATL starting out as an ATC specialist/controller

[@kimjunguny]

You dont have to remember them each individually.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Ya, I bet it would be easy to loose one

[@solala1312]

I could never work a job with so much responsibility and pressure.

[@redherring4119]

Exactly. And I can1000% bet that the compensation is not nearly commensurate with the pressure these guys face every day.

[@BurnoutRevengeForThePs2]

I bet these dudes only work for their smoke break after such a stressful day

[@michaeldickerson5738]

@@redherring4119 the pay for an Air Traffic Controller is pretty decent. Averages north of 100k

[@redherring4119]

@@michaeldickerson5738 Yeah I've just seen. Should be more but at least that's a solid start.

[@missaisohee]

Me neither. I'll be burnt out merely 2 seconds in.

[@kagenou509]

Man this is stressful...

[@excorific7514]

Ikr, wouldn't last a week before I get a mental breakdown

[@darrelllee2107]

No way, man. Being a 9th grade biology teacher? Now that would be stressful. ATC is all systems and patterns. :)

[@TheFunnyBone5]

@@darrelllee2107 what are you on about

[@slyfer5321]

@@TheFunnyBone5 right? What's his point? 😂

[@DanielK1213th]

@@darrelllee2107 you don’t get blamed for people dying or losing millions of dollars for making one mistake.

[@favoursamuel5864]

im a 16 yr old who wants to be an ATC, and i cant say how much i appreciate and respect them for their hard work everyday.

[@chrisprice2616]

It’s a great job! Shift work can be challenging, particularly weekends and nights but not having to commute in peak hour everyday is nice too. Go for it 👍

[@Alpharomeo14]

I have been going through the hiring process for over a year. Covid really delayed my hiring process. I am so excited/nervous to go to the Academy. I've been studying all through quarantine. Seeing videos like this really hypes me up for the future.

[@sniferlip]

Well if you do make it, please don't say "tree" when you mean three. That guy sounds so bad

[@acchaladka]

@@sniferlip They do that because radios are not clear - the ‘th’ sound is one that gets set aside and saying ‘tree’ is more clear and accurate. This is done common,y in military communications as well, it’s standard.

[@ranchilachanupa417]

Good luck your journey..🍻

[@RichEddie84]

I want to study as well, any direction on where I can find quality material?

[@Pratham4416]

Good luck on your journey 🎉

[@missaisohee]

My hair's turning white just from hearing the guy talking. Stressful is an understatement.

[@ccoursin]

I've been ATC for 22 years and it's nice to finally see an accurate explanation of what we do. Except for showing the AIM, that's not our Bible that's for Pilots.

[@KelseyAlexandrea]

. 65!

[@idontgotagun9867]

Do you think joining the Airforce will greatly help me land a job at some airport? Or should i go to school for it?

[@garyescobar6831]

liar

[@Glotalaya]

@@idontgotagun9867 both

[@williamleddy2747]

I was thinking the same thing!!! lol

[@Lafoka555]

I am a pilot and I am so glad that controllers are finally getting their glory. We truly couldn't operate without them.

[@ncard00]

What it takes to ban all domestic flights... Just replace them with night trains, and high speed rail for shorter trips.

[@KKE1978]

I travel a lot for work and every time we are landing am hoping this guys are having a good day. They are holding many lives in their hands. Glad they are paid well

[@USNveteran]

I work at one of the major US airports and part of my job responsibility is to taxi aircraft. Our airport at peak runs a little over 700 flights a day, and it is just amazing. My hat is off to all these ground & ramp controllers. The conversations are pretty rapid fire when flights are all leaving or departing. I could NEVER BE A CONTROLLER, but listening to them as I do gives me that much more of an appreciation of their job.

[@Nico777s]

Both my parents are ATC! Sending this to them haha it's cool seeing their career in the media, it so often goes unnoticed.

[@slyfer5321]

You must be rich.

[@f.-j.j.5738]

I feel like thanking them for their service after that video. Dang.

[@ifkaralhaq6620]

@@slyfer5321 their parents, yes.

[@Nico777s]

Slyfer ✅ Me personally? I’m broke lol, but I had a very fortunate childhood. I never realized that until I was older because I lived in a nice town and went to a private school, where everyone around me had millionaire parents. I always felt like the “poor kid”. Looking back I was unbelievably lucky, but since I had that mentality I never once thought I was rich. I’m ashamed to say I even thought a few times “why can’t my parents make more money?” Kids I knew got brand new BMWs and Mustangs while I got an older stick shift. Those kids crashed their cars and I lost almost no value when I sold my car 4 years later, my parents really looked ahead. They worked really hard to get where they are, and even harder when they had me and my sister. Both of them coming from poverty, and my dad is an immigrant coming from the Netherlands at 18 with a dream and not a penny to his name. I look up to them a lot and have never once asked for financial help. If they could make it from their circumstances, I know I can do it from mine. Sorry for the rant but I hate it when people think I’m rich because I’m not, and I don’t act like it. And the negative connotation bugs me because my parents deserve what they’ve earned 1000%

[@Nico777s]

C H both center, my mom retired at 45 though

[@aeldallkushi5882]

These guys are hero’s that don’t wear capes, imagine controlling 30 planes at once and if you mess one up you could kill people, they deserve the money they get.

[@bradleywatts185]

I could never work a job with so much responsibility and pressure.

[@NapaCat]

@@bradleywatts185 Nor could I! I get easily distracted too

[@delilah28100]

Sadly, these people are underpaid and overworked

[@wonderstruck.]

@@aeldallkushi5882 for the work they do? Absolutely.

[@andrewlorenzo6611]

@@wonderstruck. okay... so much should they get paid?

[@E787Z]

As a student pilot, I have so much appreciation and respect for all air traffic controllers around the world. They’ve helped me a lot, and always make sure that I take off and land safely, also making sure that I stay away from traffic, and don’t get lost. Also, they never get mad when I make mistakes, which are many! They are awesome. Big love.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

awesome I'm starting ground (then flight) school soon. best of luck man! hope that ppl comes fast. keep the blue side up!

[@E787Z]

@@livewellwitheds6885 Thanks, best of luck to you also!

[@Jbonneville6572]

I still cant wrap my head around how the human brain even has the capacity to do that job, hats off to all of you ATC's!!

[@Ronakvevo]

This is by far the most stressful job in the world and I have huge respect for them

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

no it isn't

[@nikobelic4251]

It’s up there but it’s not most stressful #1 is military Followed by Firefighter and Airline pilot But ATC is a very demanding job and they deserve more pay They are extremely helpful when they need to be.

[@Divirse]

@@nikobelic4251 lmfao “military” isn’t a job obviously. I’m learning ATC in the navy right now. It’s bearable I promise

[@nikobelic4251]

@@Divirse Enlisted military personnel who see combat I shortened it down Obviously if you’re the cook at Homstead air reserve base your job isn’t that stressful.

[@dallasyap3064]

Medical staff have some of the most stressful jobs too

[@AstroSpaceDiscoveries]

i cant imagine what they are dreaming at night afterwork. Jesus !

[@theboyscout0156]

“Wifey 6969, House ground, taxi to master bedroom via living room, kitchen, cross kids hallway, up the stairs, left at bathroom, hold short of bedroom door.” “Son 1234, taxi to bathroom via hallway, kitchen, living room, hold short of bathroom door”

[@kayoh30_]

@@theboyscout0156 "Son 1234, weather clear, you are clear to taxi to outside via room2, hallway3, left at hallway2, and hold short front door"

[@binary_galaxies]

@TheBoyScout01 😂😂😂

[@_M_o_n_k_e]

[Dreams of ATC falling down]

[@skyguy78]

I dream about nothing aviation. I get enough of that at work

[@kristopherdetar4346]

A waitress in Payson, Arizona took an order for my large family gathering of 14 people. Main dishes, side dishes and drinks. Got everything correct and was very attentive in a nearly full restaurant. Not impressed? What was impressive was she did not write one thing down and was able to split the meal ticket for three payers and made no errors. I recommended to her to contact the air traffic school in Oklahoma for the next available class.

[@THExKINGxKINGx]

Takes a lot more than just being able to remember what food people are having to be a controller mate.

[@leechjim8023]

Keep your Payson job. At least no lives are on the line!

[@sauce8277]

@@THExKINGxKINGxYou missed the entire point of what preparation for training is. Stay humble

[@THExKINGxKINGx]

@@sauce8277 Hush. Truth hurts I don’t care buddy.

[@sauce8277]

@@THExKINGxKINGx It’s not the truth. And I just proved it’s not. Again, she would have a head start on those who have done zero memory training. You are uninformed and If you continue to not humble yourself, are solidifying your pride.

[@LeeEverett1]

I work at an airport as an airfield electrician (I manage the signs, runway/taxiway lighting, electrical circuits etc) so I drive a vehicle that has a tower radio I listen out for transmissions. I often have to contact ground controller to get permission to drive to certain areas or get on/cross runways, just listening to these guys and the amount of focus with zero mistakes is so damn impressive to me. IMO the average salary of $140K as stated here is underpaid for all they do.

[@everythingmelanin7728]

I would cry everyday. Much respect to them.

[@sweez_playz7625]

This is the most important job in the world some people don't think is important

[@burntacid3825]

definitely not the most important, but yes very vital

[@aidenhuang7106]

I agree - its an important job

[@HarleyQuinn_93]

@dudulz It is the most important job but I’ll be sure to tell them you don’t think that.... enjoy flying into another plane or a mountain we won’t miss you

[@sweez_playz7625]

I am saying this because so many people are in plane and they plane could crash on med air or land on eacher other so that is why it is important

[@sandrajones8245]

Important undoubtedly, the most important arguably!

[@ascensionindustries9631]

I live in Atlanta and I've see this airport pump out flights like you wouldn't believe. These guys are awesome!

[@jazmin8461]

Seems to me like air traffic controllers should be paid a lot more. I got confused from the beginning. Thanks guys for trafficking our skies and making air travel possible.

[@ChristopherTradeshow]

They make 145k a year. They need to make way way more. They literally control the skies and the economy

[@jameskang2380]

Well they are government jobs in the US but other countries such as Britain, they are mostly hired through private companies.

[@TheLiamster]

145,000 is a lot of money.

[@whosagoodgirl5846]

@@TheLiamster not in California

[@9999AWC]

@Abdelice Being a pilot is much less stressful than being an air traffic controller. I should know: I'm a pilot. In cruise I basically don't do much except making sure my plane fucntions normally. An ATC is constantly busy and has no time to rest until their break.

[@The-Drone-Hobbyist]

My father has been an air-traffic controller for years. I've seen how he does it and I find it to be a cool. For any Air-Traffic Controller, Keep up the good work!!!

[@praiselordcthulhu2428]

As an aircraft mechanic. I always get nervous talking to tower or ground. I know how busy they are and me just butting in to request permission for a brake ride or the odd occasion taxi feels like im very out of place lol. We all respect you guys. I know i couldnt do that job for sure

[@shamrock141]

The turnover in ATC is really high so it baffles me how they always have staff on hand. Respect to these guys they do a vital job

[@theplazaplayer9673]

short answer is we don't do it lol sometimes i will be taking 12 hour shifts because of how understaffed my airport is

[@theplazaplayer9673]

@Mitchel in belgium im not sure but here in canada where the training for a tower controller is only a year. we do 5 stages of interviews and you can be fired from your training at anytime. and even if they make it through, you don't get a choice as to where you spend your first year (they can send you anywhere in your region) and EVEN THEN people still decide that it will be too stressful for them, and here in Canada we work very unorthodox hours (me personally I work 10 days on 10 days off) and my airport runs 24/7. so considering the average age at my airport is 35ish, they all have young children and that can be hard for them

[@dumbpilot7733]

And yet I've still gone through 3 hiring bids without getting hired despite scoring "well qualified" on the ATSA

[@theplazaplayer9673]

@@dumbpilot7733 I've known a lot of people that I went through training who score very very well but they crumble when it comes time to actually do the simulator because their mental capacity either just isn't there or they just cannot handle the stress (not saying that's you) but they don't only just look at test scores, they also look at who you are as a person (are you someone who gets frustrated easily, can you easily micromanage 30+ people, how adjustable are you, etc)

[@timp1390]

@Mitchel if NL is the Netherlands I'm happy to go to Schipol once I get a covid vax

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

meanwhile we barely get any flights, easier for us

[@alexanderbendall]

Ah yes, the glorious Pyongyang

[@slushie3061]

Nuclear bomb flight?

[@slushie3061]

@Xendex Motorsports us=we

[@andrewthomas8737]

Go and eat 2 large quarter pounder meals fat guts. After that supreme leader go for a run.

[@davidhood9712]

Air Koryo!

[@radyawirawan3823]

Im applying for atc training program next year, wish me luck guys

[@sayda829]

All the best to you ❤️

[@jtstanley26]

Did you get in?

[@radyawirawan3823]

@@jtstanley26 sadly they cancelled the program this year, idk why probably because covid. So instead im applying for electrical engineering degree in a pretty good university in my country:). I still hope that i can work in aviation industry in the future tho.

[@Evan.]

As a controller at MKE, this is all very true, the job is very stressful but there is no better feeling then seeing a bunch of planes all go out perfectly

[@swargpatel7634]

Something about air traffic control and aviation just fascinates me. Just really cool. One of the few people who genuinely enjoy going on planes.

[@ohhimark9159]

As a pilot, I respect these guys so much. There's no way I could do this job. I couldn't imagine the stress of making sure everyone in my airspace lands safe for shifts at a time.

[@gsent56]

We know how important this job is, we've seen breaking bad.

[@r3bane598]

I was just looking for this comment 😂

[@SDRob01]

737 Down Over ABQ

[@strikervido]

Part of airport security is to ensure that their daughters stay away from crystal meth. 😄

[@chrismadrigal6590]

More like heroin lol

[@bisharabdul8435]

Man i had Jane's father in my head all through

[@darrelllee2107]

I did ATC for 10 years. This was probably the most exciting job that one could ever have. I eventually grew into other things but I will always cherish my days of pushing tin. (I would have liked to have seen some TRACON action here as well but it was still a great video!)

[@chrispaulbd]

Why'd you leave? I'm sure you were making bank after ten years

[@darrelllee2107]

@@chrispaulbd - It really was a wonderful job but I had another calling in life. And the money in ATC is good but you'll never be rich doing it. I make a lot more money now doing what I do. But I don't do what I do just for the money.

[@chrispaulbd]

@@darrelllee2107 I'm actually starting the academy myself in January for enroute. Any advice??

[@ErieShoreProductions]

@@chrispaulbd yeah, asked to be switched to terminal. Haha.

[@chrispaulbd]

@@ErieShoreProductions Why, I probably can't anyways since I accepted already

[@paulrichards8323]

I frequently say a prayer for all pilots in the air and active air traffic controllers. Also for the air craft mechanics. What a responsibility they all have. God Bless you.

[@Dragonball-9765]

Unsung hero of the aviation industry,every person that work in the air traffic controller are the person that can handle stress at its maximum volume,these job was very stressful,without them pilot cant fly an aeroplane

[@airhead6258]

Me: I'm training to be an Air Traffic Controller My friends: ah yes, the guy in the platform with light sticks who tells planes where to park?? 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@yitseinsalazar3718]

LMAOOOO this comment deserves more love 😂

[@krisskrosstheworld5421]

🤣🤣🤣

[@IAmTracyReady]

I was just thinking about that person. What IS their title?

[@sevichongoku]

@@IAmTracyReady Ramp Personnel

[@rajimwakefield7972]

That’s a Marshal …that was my job n I love it

[@fdfischer]

As a pilot I love how they explained the Atlanta Bravo airspace. Im kinda interested to see how less busy towers operate or any ARTCC

[@KelseyAlexandrea]

Once CV19 is less of an issue, call a tower or center and get a tour! I toured many before I became a controller. They are all unique and very interesting! I'd also advise touring the ones you fly in and out of the most!

[@bigzachus]

ARTCC are the real controllers anyway.

[@BAR55825]

Thank you all and I keep you all in my daily prayers and especially when I’m flying....🙏🏻🙏🏻 My brother in law was a air traffic controller....He smoked like a freight train and bit his fingernails down to the quick.....needless to say, he retired early.....I’m glad he did....God Bless you all....🙏🏻

[@808BLAddict]

This job has so much responsibility that it seems so overwhelming to me… you’re literally in charge of the safety of so many people..

[@bolynn9668]

As a former tower controller I wouldn’t overwhelm my brain thinking of all the people on board, only focus on the one pilot at a time I was talking with. Each pilot received the same amount of efficiency I could provide under the circumstances.

[@Probowler37]

I have connected through ATL several times and never once had a flight delay. Of course delays elsewhere due to weather or mechanical, which is understandable. Thank you to all controllers for your hard work!

[@heidiii1387]

I was delayed at Atlanta headed to Charlotte...that was frustrating being so close by plane 🥴🤣

[@Probowler37]

@@heidiii1387 Oh yeah. I have taken that flight many times. I once had an 8 hour delay in Minneapolis. That was a blast! 🤣

[@heidiii1387]

@@Probowler37 airline put me up in a hotel but by the time I got the voucher, to the hotel/room, and ate I think I had maybe 3 hours to sleep....I barely slept 😴

[@piratenpotter]

Damn. And I thought I work in a "fast-paced" and "agile" working environment. These guys are beasts.

[@Cainible]

Professional: This is the ultimate domino effect, if something goes wrong there are major delays. Me: I'm looking at u Karens

[@lincolngalligan9564]

Wha

[@df-sway7274]

Where’s the atc, I wanna talk to their manager

[@CityWhisperer]

"Put me with ATC, NOW!!! DON'T TELL ME TO SHUT UP, I SAID I WANT TO TALK TO THEM NOW OR ELSE I'LL GET YOU FIRED!!!"

[@andrewtaco]

*No plane at the gate Karens: wHeN aRe We BoArDiNg?!?!

[@jom1727]

Being an air traffic controller there must be a breeze, I heard you up to four flights a day at Pyongyang airport.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

Husband of a friend is an ATC there. He’s the coolest guy ever. Laid back. Funny. Nice to people. Has a million stories. And has the ability to focus more than anyone I know, apparently.

[@larrysmith1568]

I did this for 30 yrs all over the country. It is organized chaos. There is a system and it works. It is very mentally taxing. I loved it. You train yourself to listen for the right words. You pick up on the wrong words or situations immediately.

[@splitscim]

WOW, a video that does a good job showing what being ATC is really like! I've seen a fair number before and no videos by major news sources have been this detailed, great job!

[@DBR00]

I like these 10 minute videos. Not too long, and not that short.

[@evanschultz7096]

This made it seem sooo much more simple than it is, “circle back and get in line to land”

[@Shave-ice]

Yeah I was training at SeaTac airport and gave up. Most stressful job in my opinion. It’s like being the only waiter at a 50 table restaurant. Glad I’m in real estate now.

[@mr16325]

Any drop out can do real estate😂 that’s probably a good choice

[@interestingpie493]

"human brains can only handle 7 things at once" schools assigning homework: no

[@mikepetrella848]

Good one mate😹

[@clairejin1704]

lol I’m in 9th grade and I sometimes get two assignments for every class in one day and I have seven classes

[@YukariAkiyama]

@@clairejin1704 ughh same tell me about it🙄

[@KelAZ1]

Air traffic control rock stars! Now only if ATL could process travelers through their security as efficiently!

[@karanveersaluja8279]

This is my hometown airport and I agree

[@aries171717]

@@Z28-h2y Many years ago I was a passenger on a flight using an MD83 in the UK . It was amazing the aircraft turned into a rocket.

[@alainportant6412]

milfy

[@dylan3488]

Eh I've never had a problem going through security in Atlanta. Been through plenty maybe I'm just lucky

[@arnoldsherrill6305]

I worked security at checkpoint at Hartsfield back in the 90s . The Slowdown happens when you have a lot of people arriving with less time to get through security., they don't really pay attention to the recommendation of getting to the airport ahead of time depending on whether you are flying domestic or International and that's what causes everything to backup processing people through checkpoint., in addition to having something in their carry-on luggage that they shouldn't ., which backs up the line even further

[@mdsr7518]

Well it's a hard job knowing that one mistake could cause hundreds of deaths and millions of dollars in delays and damage

[@ChristopherTradeshow]

Billions. One mistake could disrupt the world

[@DanielK1213th]

@Mohyeet Inc it’s possible since it would disrupt hundreds of businesses that depend on air travel and airline businesses are worth billions.

[@margaretself6854]

These guys are so Intelligent they can probably tell me what Obama's last name is.

[@sanon2480]

@@ChristopherTradeshow Or hundreds. One mistake could disrupt my amazon shipments.

[@mgtowacademy8433]

ATL is pretty cool. They also use “Dixie” instead of “Delta”, the phonetic alphabet’s D is Delta, but with Delta being so prevalent at the airport, they use Dixie instead...

[@KevinP32270]

AGREED.

[@zavierc5309]

It recently got changed to Delta! No more Dixie in ATL unfortunately

[@tgeee]

@@zavierc5309 They should just refer to Delta as "Widget"!

[@mgtowacademy8433]

@@zavierc5309 really? Wow, didn’t know that. Where’d you see/hear about that change?

[@amandawalker1196]

All the ATC transcripts I’ve heard use Delta🤷🏻‍♀️

[@frostyobama1307]

… Marvelous timing.

[@larrysmith1568]

I retired after 30 yrs. Great job, loved it. You have to be flexible, think on your feet and look out the back of your head. No room for error. It is controlled chaos sometime but there is a system. It is safe and it works. Controllers earn every dime.

[@cillaxandhavesometea]

They're like surgeon, for air traffic. If that makes sense.

[@greenlobster9171]

It doesn’t make sense if that makes sense.

[@dominick1lucero]

It doesn't

[@DanielK1213th]

I think air traffic is more stressful since surgeons rarely get prosecuted for making mistakes. If they kill a patient by mistake, it’s only one person. But if controllers kill by mistake, they are killing dozens or hundreds and the fed will come after them with prison sentences and millions of dollars in fine.

[@sheriffabubakarx6]

@@DanielK1213th you don’t know what you are saying

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

@@sheriffabubakarx6 Agree with you 100%! , Such a shame people cannot research before they open their traps! In some foreign countries, they do prosecute ATC controllers if they err. In the USA, ATC falls under the auspices of the government. ATC errors are handled differently.

[@Hornetfbfan95]

this video provides great insight to this incredibly challenging and important job! well done ATC men and women. you guys are the MVPs!

[@mr13579100]

"Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue..."

[@axelfoley1406]

Great comment. Great movie, lol.

[@zach___blake]

Just watching this is making me nervous, can’t imagine actually doing it. You guys really are heroes.

[@Ssesay08]

I worked as a taxiway crossing operator at DXB airport, this is the first job I’ve seen that has zero tolerance to mistakes, every options are available for you to make the best decision, I enjoyed my time working with ground department, the experience was amazing, without ATC there will be no flight movement.

[@dyltglare8702]

I’m currently an air traffic controller. I love this job, it is so fun!

[@tinkerbrittany]

Recently I have really been feeling lost on life and didn’t feel like my recent jobs have given me the stress I need to focus. I love the feeling of focus and stress at work and thrive in it. KZbin recommended me air traffic control videos a while ago and I got addicted, but stopped watching them. Yesterday I started thinking about them again and today this appeared. This is really making me feel like I would love doing this.

[@9999AWC]

The aviation industry could ALWAYS do with more ATC folks!

[@iliketoflystuff9354]

Well I love it but it’s a niche to get into, good luck

[@KelseyAlexandrea]

As long as you are younger than 31, go to USA Jobs . gov and save a search for ATC Trainee and when an open bid comes out, apply! The FAA website has some great info!

[@ChaosRandomness]

Im retired from doing this since I had a medical condition. It is definitely fun, but stressful. The saying Teamwork makes the Dream work, is literally this.

[@jwahoski6248]

As a student pilot at a small, towered airport that’s relatively busy (second busiest in the State of Michigan), thank you for all you guys do! We all owe you a great debt of gratitude!

[@louisthole5911]

Im a student at Willow run

[@cee_el]

They deserve the high praise and pay they’re getting. I can’t imagine how stressful this would be

[@Chiseen808]

I’m currently a student pilot and I’m always nervous when talking to them..

[@manel4475]

Don't be.. We are normal. We love talking to pilots 😁

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

Chi Hin Chan- I always welcomed visitors to the tower or the radar facility. Some were novice pilots such as yourself, They enjoyed it, and many of their questions were answered. Perhaps you can ask your instructor and see if they can set up a visit for you. As Juneau Eris, said, "We are normal".

[@Chiseen808]

@@rubenvillanueva8635 I'll try and see if I can visit my local airport's tower. Thanks for the tip!

[@Chiseen808]

@@manel4475 I'll try not to be lol. Thanks!

[@Chiseen808]

@@comet2164 Thanks for the tips! I have liveatc, vatsim, and MSFS 2020 so I'm just practicing all of that lol.

[@ecclestonsangel]

ATL may be the busiest airport in the world, but they are also the most efficient. The airport itself is laid out extremely well, so it's not difficult to get yourself from one place to the next. The signage is large, well lit and easy to read, making it easier to find your way about. The employees are incredibly friendly and helpful if you need assistance of any kind. The airport itself is light, airy, open and welcoming, with plenty to see and do whilst you wait for your plane. I don't mind connecting through Hartsfield at all. They make something very stressful into something tolerable. The only other airport I find tolerable is Detroit Metro, in Detroit. Beautiful, well thought out airport, fantastically kind and thoughtful employees, and a seriously cool indoor monorail! Connecting through either is a treat for me!

[@WindWalkTravelVideos]

Interesting!

[@evilbluntgaming]

Ong my slime

[@archivedbymai]

@@evilbluntgaming PLSSSS

[@DualHD]

Third

[@jugz9130]

@@archivedbymai 😭

[@GregSki1979]

As a 19yr dispatcher in the hvac/plumbing industry in my past life, i wouldn't do this job for 200k/yr. Ultimate respect to these warriors.

[@slepyps]

i’m currently a flight student at KPDK airport in Atlanta, one of our tasks is landing at KATL for experience and so we can get used to ATC. no matter what i decide to do with my flight knowledge, i will always have respect for these guys. this is amazing

[@joelquiroz94]

I always wondered how pilots flew planes in pitch white clouds without seeing anything without crashing into another plane. This video gave me anxiety, I could never have this job. Much respect to these guys!

[@Tracymmo]

They have a lot of sophisticated, computerized equipment on the planes too. The strip they showed said "TCAS equipped." That means "Traffic collision avoidance system. " It alerts both sets of pilots if planes get too close and tells one to go up and the other to go down. Amazing what they can do with technology.

[@khrishardreid8349]

As an aspiring pilot, I have so much respect for the work they put in.

[@johnnyc4717]

My sister told me order something for her at Starbucks and I fucked up, couldn’t remember the honey cold foam or some shit like that. I don’t think I’d pass the ATC test.

[@walkerpercy8702]

Lol, well played sir.

[@yanyanliang3770]

I'm here watching this because my daughter who's going to college wants to be an Air traffic controller. I really don't want her to work a job with that much stress and responsibilities! but here I'm doing my researches! wish her the best of luck and I give my respect to these people!

[@FaithfulMel]

Best of luck!

[@Unknownevanuser]

So glad I found this video. Currently a senior in high school and wanting to go to a career that doesn’t involve a whole lot of schooling. This job would be so fun to have, not just at Atlanta but other airports as well. It keeps be focused and busy that that’s what I enjoy about a job.

[@oceanclub523]

The guy: efficiency, efficiency, efficiency Dr Mike: chest compressions, chest compressions, chest compressions

[@AnjaliSingh-0304]

We literally depend on air traffic controllers and pilots to communicate well else we are legit deaddd There have been cases of air crashes where no one survived during miscommunication between pilots and air traffic controllers. Thank you for helping us get to our destinations safely :)

[@nannerz1994]

The guy with the long hair is so cool and charismatic can he just talk about everything to me forever?

[@andrewmiller4573]

It's official!!!!! Finally, a KZbin video that induced a severe migraine headache!!!!

[@kubek555]

I would love to see their blood pressure readings during their usual working day

[@LoboLakerGaming]

I went to DFW one morning to photograph the morning rush of inbound planes where over 70 planes landed between 7:30-8:30am, and had the ATC radio pulled up on my phone. It just blew my mind how busy those guys in the tower were for such a long time.

[@kahristah]

If you remember, what did you use to listen with? App or website? Thanks :)

[@LoboLakerGaming]

@@kahristah liveATC, it was $3 but i felt it was worth it, and i never pay for apps ever lol

[@diegoramirez6317]

I’m so glad I chose this as my future career path!!!

[@JaneSmith0709]

I had a friend who was in ATC training and had a nervous breakdown. He had to wait 6 months before trying again and finally made it. I just can't imagine that kind of pressure.

[@bolynn9668]

I’m a former tower controller (Canadian female) and it takes a certain mindset to be successful. Also, controllers can be really full of themselves and if you get one of THEM training you it can make life miserable. It is (or was) totally a boys club: dealing with controllers/cocky pilots but lots of fun when you’re working and “in the zone”. A good teacher said once Stress is self-imposed and therefore self-controlled. That’s awesome your friend checked out!😅

[@riosommer1604]

i want this job so bad, i’m applying next year. watching this just gets me more excited!!!

[@TheOofOre]

I was there the day the IT outage happened... hats off to the ATC crew for keeping the situation under control even with the delays/cancellations.

[@bepop1630]

Mad respect to them for keeping up with that, it’s a really interesting job. My mom was going to do this but I guess it was too stressful and I don’t blame her.

[@canadaehxplained77]

What's the saying? No matter if you're going to heaven or to hell - you'll connect at Atlanta..

[@rickyism1576]

It's crazy I've been flying probably 30 years 20+ trips a year and have never connected through this airport... I consider myself lucky.

[@canadaehxplained77]

@@rickyism1576 Let me guess - you fly Star Alliance? hahah

[@redherring4119]

@Mohyeet Inc Its cuz of Delta.

[@canadaehxplained77]

@Mohyeet Inc I'm not mocking it! haha I pretty much only fly Air Canada and their Star Alliance partners.. I was just going to make the point that if Jeremy, like me, does fly those airlines - it's likely he won't ever connect at Atlanta!

[@rickyism1576]

@@canadaehxplained77 I think its American Airlines big hub isn't it? I live in the Northwest so its mainly Alaska, and Delta, United, and Southwest from here.

[@Moustafa_H]

Never been this early to a Business insider video!

[@jonathanbuszard7056]

Yo same

[@mrgingerma01]

Same bro

[@Ugo_nwanne]

Me too

[@RedCanyonWolf]

Mad respect for ATC workers. Especially the ones during 9/11 dealing with landing all the planes in the country.

[@chickcreations]

I’m always in awe of these ATCs. It’s not for everyone for sure. Only the chosen one with skills definitely. God bless them always

[@jay70328]

I went to a recruitment centre for NATS (UK air traffic control) around 15 years ago, passed the first set of tests then got sent a 280 question personality test to do online. It was things like "pick your most and least favourite thing from the list. A) watching TV. B) listening to music. C) talking with a loved one. D) doing a crossword". I got bored after about 30 questions and just started clicking random ones until I got to the end. You'll all be happy to know I wasn't successful in my application. I suppose those tests are designed that way to weed people like me out. I went on to get a PhD in ecology, so all ended well 🤷‍♂️

[@africanayasmin6210]

I’m 45 years, am I too old to be considered? To train?

[@qualityguacamole9142]

@@africanayasmin6210yes

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

If you want to have a good dream, you gotta connect at Atlanta first

[@kxm7802]

I see you everywhere lol

[@KaiKatto]

Ah, and your other account, Kim jong un has also come here...