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

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

[mcbam]

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.

[devt]

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

[ImportedfromUK]

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

[RyanKohout]

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

[tar_las]

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

[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! 👍🏅:)

[ryanjordan]

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

[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.

[scottthompson]

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

[Hseaa]

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

[solala]

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

[angelicafloresruiz]

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.

[favoursamuel]

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.

[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.

[missaisohee]

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

[Nicos]

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

[everythingmelanin]

I would cry everyday. Much respect to them.

[EZ]

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.

[AstroSpaceDiscoveries]

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