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Student Air Traffic Control Officer - Entry Requirements and Career Path

Introduction of Air Traffic Control Officer and Student Air Traffic Control Officer

Interview of RTHK programme "Hong Kong United" on 17 March 2023 (Chinese only)

Duties of Air Traffic Control Officer

The Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) is normally promoted from the rank of Student Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO) who has successfully passed all the requisite basic trainings. The pay scale for SATCO is TPS Point 11 - 14.  Job experience in the profession will start with working as supporting staff in the various ends such as operational areas. As part of the air traffic control training, SATCOs with satisfactory performance will have the opportunity to take up basic air traffic control training as well as training on flight operations to enhance their aviation knowledge and to broaden their exposure in air traffic control operations. The course will include fundamental aviation subjects such as navigation, meteorology, telecommunications, aviation laws and air traffic control procedures etc.

Upon completion of the basic air traffic control training and training on flight operations, SATCOs will be provided with specialised air traffic control training on local procedures. The training programmes include theories, practical exercises in the simulators and on-the-job training in the real operational environment under the supervision of qualified controllers. A SATCO is eligible for consideration for promotion to ATCO III after passing the first departmental Specialized Rating Training course leading to the award of the associated Air Traffic Control Ratings and Certificates of Competency.

After a period of solo control consolidation, ATCO III are normally selected for further training in other Air Traffic Control positions. Upon obtaining the relevant qualifications, ATCO III will be eligible for consideration for promotion to the ATCO II rank. Senior ATCO II will be provided with advanced professional training, e.g. Search & Rescue and training to become an on the job training instructor etc, to prepare them for duties of higher responsibilities.

Entry Requirements

Candidates should -

• (i)	have Level 3 or equivalent or above in five subjects, with at least one of them being Mathematics, Geography, Physics, Information and Communication Technology or Aviation Studies, in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE), or equivalent; or
  (ii)	have a pass in two subjects at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) and Grade C/Level 3 or above in three other subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) with at least one of them being Mathematics, Geography, Physics or Computer Studies, or equivalent;

(Note: The subjects may include Chinese Language and English Language.)

• have met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 or above in English Language and Level 2 or above in Chinese Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent;
• be able to communicate effectively in English; and
• have a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test.

(Note: Candidates without the requisite Chinese language proficiency but have met the other entry requirements may also apply.)

Salary

Training Pay Scale Point 11 to Point 14

How to apply

When there are vacancies, recruitment advertisements would be placed in local press, the Government Vacancies Enquiry System at the website of Civil Services Bureau (https://www.csb.gov.hk) and our CAD website (https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/recruitment.html). Please watch out for such advertisement and submit application according to the procedures as stated therein.

Please download the application form GF340 from this link: https://www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/application/files/GF340.pdf (PDF: 1156KB) and return the completed application form to:

Personnel Registry,
Level 5, Civil Aviation Department Headquarters,
1 Tung Fai Road, Hong Kong International Airport,
Lantau, Hong Kong

Career Path of Student Air Traffic Control Officer

 Career Path