Young Post: What are the duties of air traffic control officers (ATCOs)?
Li: In brief, we work with pilots to ensure air safety. I sit in the control tower, from where I can see the whole airport, and give instructions to the departing and landing aircraft. For example, I would tell the pilots at what time the plane should leave the parking bay for takeoff. Because there are many planes around the airport, I have to make arrangements for them to queue up and keep a safe distance from each other.
There is also a radar control centre. It monitors the routes taken by aircraft after takeoff. Our main job is to make sure that the planes take different routes so that they don't crash into each other. When the weather is bad, there will be more officers on duty.
YP: Why did you choose this career?
L: Just before I graduated from university, I visited a career exhibition booth set up by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD). I thought the job was very challenging and offered good prospects, so I applied.
YP: Do you like your job?
L: Yes, very much. The CAD provides training courses to all newcomers. I attended a piloting course in Australia and honed my air traffic control skills in Britain. These were very valuable experiences. Also, controlling so many planes every day gives me a sense of satisfaction.
