[2] The profession is considered to be highly demanding and stressful due to the need for continuous decision-making and adherence to strict safety regulations.

Factors such as equipment reliability, traffic volume, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions can further influence workload and stress levels.

[6] In the United States (US), Archie League is regarded as the first air traffic controller and was hired by the city of St. Louis in 1929 to prevent collisions.

Together with radio communication with the pilots, this laid the foundation for Ground Control Approaches and later Instrument landing system (ILS).

[10] The focus of the industry is on the development of assisting and predicting artificial intelligence tools as well as the automation of repetitive tasks rather than attempts to replace the controllers.

[11][12][13] There is a consensus among developers and airport operators that, in the foreseeable future, air traffic controllers will tend to be more of a system manager overseeing decisions made by automated systems and intervening to resolve unexpected situations, which is currently one of the most difficult tasks for artificial intelligence, making full replacement unlikely.

[14][11][15][16] One challenge with partially automated workflows is the potential for skill and knowledge disintegration due to reduced daily practice.

The tower's airspace is often a 5-nautical-mile (9.3 km) radius around the airport, but can vary greatly in size and shape depending on traffic configuration and volume.

Civilian ATCs handle commercial and general aviation such as airliners and private jets while military controllers usually oversee airspace or airports of armed forces.

[30] In general air traffic controllers are individuals with advanced situational and spatial awareness, strong organizational and multitasking abilities, and are able to adapt well to rapidly changing conditions.

They posses assertive and swift decision-making skills and the ability to maintain their composure under pressure as well as an excellent short-term memory.

Research has shown that after prolonged periods of continuous work for more than two hours without a break, performance can deteriorate rapidly, even at low traffic levels.

[43] Air traffic controllers are subject to some of the strictest physical and mental health requirements for any profession, reflecting the high responsibility.

In Europe and parts of Asia, controllers must hold a Class 3 medical certificate[44][45][46] which involves evaluations of vision, hearing, physical and mental health.

[50] May lead to automatic disqualification or require explicit testing and waivers signed by the overseeing medical authority, demonstrating that the disorder does not impact the individuals ability to do the job.

[53] In addition effective hearing and communication skills are also required, as controllers must clearly understand and transmit information under high-stress conditions.

This is due to an FAA requirement that trainees begin their training at the Academy no later than their 31st birthday, and face mandatory retirement at age 56.

[60] At the completion of academic training, the graduating student will be granted an Air Traffic Control license, which will include one or more Ratings.