(Update) 2nd stage : Program Assessment Centre (PAC) untuk memasuki perkhidmatan Pegawai Kawalan Traffik Udara / Air Traffic Control

Assalamualaikum dan Salam 1Malaysia

Ramai yang email me tanya tips untuk PAC AATCO A29. Secara keseluruhan me dah share what to expect masa PAC nanti dalam entry sebelum nie. http://fitla-womenfromvenus.blogspot.com/2013/12/2nd-stage-accessment-pac-untuk-memasuki.html

Tapi sebab PAC yang me bagi sblm nie maybe utk A41 so bila A29 nak PAC, uolls ingat it different. Sebenarnyer PAC akan berlangsung sama jer baik for A41 or for A29. Format or stage dia sama jer. So uolls leh baca entry tu dan buat persediaan ok. Cuma me nak add beberapa perkara la.

*** Show ur good ATTITUDE.

*** Show ur CONFIDENT. Nervousness come when u are not prepare.

*** As far as i know there a basic document that u need to bring along during PAC. Rasanyer cuma document yang penting sahaja mcm ur diploma or ur degree (if u have one). Pada yang KPSL tu boleh bawak primary and aerodrome cert from academy. Lain document or certificate sekolah or masa U tu bawa masa interview dgn SPA jer nnti.

*** Nie me nak tekan sekali lagi. Masa baca role play or passage description, pastikan perkataan uolls terang, jelas dan betul. Pada masa yang sama fahamkan apa yang uolls baca tu. Soalan yang diberikan oleh examiner maybe tentang sebaris ayat dalam passage tu ke, atau she/he will ask what do u understand about the passage la, or examiner akan highlight certain words for u to describe. Kat sini your aviation knowledge amat penting. Mr google ada. So buat la research cikit pasal ATC and aviation ok.

*** Passage description tu memang aviation related ok. So sapa yang ada terbaca berkaitan dengan aviation tu uolls boleh improve ur knowlegde and term in aviation. Kalo baca notes yang me share tu pun maybe uolls akan jumpa bbrp terms aviation yang baru. Selain tu Mr Google ada so rajin-rajin la cari bahan. Bukan nak suh hafal pn, just to let u familiar with some terms jer. 

*** One of the examiner yang me tanya bitau me yang candidate A29 nie selalu nyer lebih creative dari candidate A41 especially part presentation during stage 3 untuk group discussion. Sometimes they come out with something interesting masa nak present. Ada yang wat sketsa la, ada wat macam-macam la and they normally perform in group with a leaders. So sapa yang rasa nak jadi leader tu, u can step up BUT make sure u become a good leader. Let everybody speak and contribute. Yang paling penting DON'T DOMINANT!!! and jangan jadi BISU pulak.

*** Since AATCO A29 nie biasanyer after abis kt academy they will be transferred to the airport around Malaysia. So your knowledge about airport kt Malaysia nie should be good. Any info berkaitan airport pun kene tau. Cuba cari info berkaitan KLIA 2. That i think one of the most discussing topics by the examiner. Kene ingat KLIA 2 bukan new airport ok. It just a new terminal extended to the existing KLIA with a new control tower and new runway. So bila KLIA 2 dah beroperasi, secara keseluruhannyer KLIA ada 3 runway ok. Sama juga kalo sebut LCCT. Kalo tanya driver taxi mesti dia kata LCCT is a different airport tp sebenarnyer LCCT dan KLIA adalah airport yang sama, cuma terminal nyer jer yang berbeza.

*** Antara topics yang pernah kuar masa group discussion from previous PAC are about lady controller (what is your opinion about lady controller in Malaysia), KLIA 2, airport threats, low cost carrier.

*** Secara keseluruhanyer kalo tanya examiner, apa yang dieorang nak tgk adalah your confident level jer. Uolls didn't need to speak like Mr Middleton. U just need to speak simple and proper english jer. As long as it can be understand by the examiner sbb nak jadi ATC memang English is the priority and a must.

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART

ATC Standard Phaseology - Contoh text conversation between ATC and Pilot

Assalamualaikum dan Salam 1Malaysia...

1st of all, me nak ucap terima kasih dan nak mintak maaf byk2 pada adik2 yg sudi baca article dlm blog nie. Nak mintak maaf sgt pada yg dh hantar email bertimbun2 dan setia menunggu jawapan dari me. Maaf dipinta kerana bukan me xnak balas on the spot tp keadaan me lately yg xbape mengizinkan. Pregnancy kali nie betul2 menduga me. Pertengahan bulan Jan ari tu me admitted to KPJ Kajang sbb stone in kidney and need emergency operation to remove the stone since one of it dah block saluran kidney dan membengkak. Since me tgh pregnant so risiko mmg tinggi. Alhamdulillah after the operation condition baby ok and me dapat mc 10 hari. Mmg heaven la duduk rmh kan tp xleh buat apa2 pn sbb i need to rest and xleh buat kerja berat. Even our daughter pn kami hantar pengasuh. After 6 days of operation dtg balik susulan utk remove "the stand" yang dipasang pada saluran kencing ke kidney. After that baru la me rasa segar sikit. Lps abis mc sedang elok me kene attend training utk KLIA 2 plk. Pastu sambung cuti tahun baru cina kt kampung me kt Johor tp byk plan nak berjalan raya cina tu terpaksa postpone sbb my mum pulak admitted kt hospital sbb jangkitan paru2.... There goes our cuti dengan bergilir2 jaga mak kt hospital. On our last day cuti raya cina tu baru my mum dapat discharge dr hospital. Naik dari cuti raya cina tu baru la my shift dpt tgk muka me masuk keje. Ermmmm, Dekat 3 week jgk tak wat traffic. Skrg nie tgh batuk dan selsema plk berjangkit dari my daughter. Elok dpt mc lagi. Tapi alhamdulillah monthly check up baby still in good condition. Ermmmm....... Ok lah enough about me. Maaf kalo korang bosan nk baca me membebel psl me.

Ok we back to the real deal. Since ada yang bertanya contoh ATC and Pilot conversation, me nak kongsi contoh text conversation antara ATC dan pilot menggunakan what we called a Standard Phaseology. Conversation between ATC dan pilot sememangnyer bukan sembang kedai kopi ok. We have our standard phraseology yg digunakan di mana-mana around the world. So if u have ATC licence, u can apply ATC job around the world (hehehe, but frankly speaking mmg susah nak apply la kan). 

Contoh phaseology yang me kongsi nie me pernah guna masa me nak PAC dulu. Tanya Mr Google jgk la. Nie conversation ATC Tower and pilot during the incident which kapal Air France 358 slide off end of the runway. Me tak ingat tahun berapa incident nie berlaku.

2nd stage : Program Assessment Centre (PAC) untuk memasuki perkhidmatan Pegawai Kawalan Traffik Udara / Air Traffic Control

Assalamualaikum dan Salam Sejahtera,

Ermmm semangat me mmg kuat nk wat post nie walaupn tau maybe it already to late to read it for ur preparation untuk PAC. Mmg dlm seminggu nie mcm2 perkara berlaku. Ingat smlm boleh la nak mengarang tp dpt berita yang opis mate meninggal. So gi la melawat arwah kat Bangsar. Balik dh petang and me kene prepare plk nak pegi keje shift malam. Sampai opis untuk keje mlm plk, ya Allah mlm td punyer traffic mmg xleh blah.... Lagi la rasa bila jaga apron kt lcct tu. Dengan localiser yg down untuk rwy 32L and weather mmg biasa nyer ATC xleh nk wat pe la. Kene la sequence kapal. Up till pkl 11 mlm kapal which is not less than 10 kapal masih berbaris untuk departure. Ermmm enough rasa me luahkan perasaan. Nak luahkan pn rasa penat...

Sebenarnyer sebelum me nk kongsi process PAC nie me ingat nk kongsi pengalaman me gi assessment dulu which is totally different from now. Dulu assessment mcm interview cuma masa tu interview dgn jabatan iaitu DCA tp skrg dh divided in 3 process. So im not sure if kali nie masih memakai format yg sama atau tidak. Tp rasanya xde byk beza dengan yg last assessment. Yang me kongsi nie adalah hasil "borak-borak" kosong dengan previous assessment candidate (practising controller yang naik secara KPSL) termasuk la dari examiner2 which is our senior jugak dlm jabatan. So to cut short xyah la me cerita pasal assesment me tu kita gi terus cara PAC skrg yer. Lain kali leh edit lg untuk kongsi PAC masa me dulu.

Sebelum tu me nak kongsi rumusan yang diambil dari fb Pakchu berkenaan 2nd stage nie.

PEGAWAI KAWALAN TRAFIK UDARA A41
Tahniah yg lulus stage 1. PAC next week. Pesanan org lama (bukan aku):
1. If ada masalah rabun warna, better jangan buang masa tuk PAC. Rabun jauh takpe.
2. Group or individual discussion / presentation / roleplay / short interview jangan berlagak pandai tapi jangan bisu.
3. English. Tak perlu cakap mcm Mr Bean. Simple & proper english good enough.
4. Pakai kemas mcm pegawai kerajaan walaupun weekend.
5. If still blurrrr about ATC, please gooooooogle..
Goodluck. 3rd stage : Interview.


As far as i know there will be 1 day assessment with 3 stage. 

Stage 1
Ujian rabun warna

Yang nie examiner akan proses candidate sorg-sorg untuk ujian rabun warna. It is important for ATC bukan terdiri dari rabun warna kerana as practicing controller soon u will be dealing with a lot of equipment/radar. So to make sure that u didn't mixed up the color so rabun warna mmg xdibenarkan dlm ATC. Kalo stage 1 nie dh gagal definitely u will not going to the next stage ok. 

TP KALO RABUN JAUH KE DEKAT KE TAKDE MASALAH OK. EVEN U PAKAI CERMIN MATA ATAU CONTACT LENSE PN XDE MASALAH.

Stage 2
Ujian Role play and pemahaman comprehension

Masa nie examiner akan bahagikan candidate kepada bbrp board. Each board ada 2 examiner with 2 candidate and it will last for about half hour. Biasa nyer mula2 tu biasa la introduction. Ye la nak bagi hilang nervous kan. So share la apa2 berkenaan diri sendiri. 

Lepas tu ada sesi role play between ATC and pilot. Candidate will be given a text with dialog. Sorang candidate akan jadi pilot and sorang lagi jadi ATC. Baca role play tu dengan jelas setiap butir perkataan. Kalo boleh jangan ada salah sebutan perkataan. Watch out for some unusually use word mcm perkataan "wind". Hehehe setiap kali me sebut perkataan nie, me teringat masa assessment me yang pertama dan gagal sbb perkataan wind nie. Most candidate akan sebut sebagai "wine". It totally different word and means ok. 

Lepas tu ada pemahaman text. U will be given comprehension text. U have to read it and elaborate what u understand about the passage (sebenarnyer part nie me tak sure sgt tp lebih kurang mcm tu la) u can have ur own time to read it or how much u want to read it but make sure u understand it and able to elaborate it.

Contoh Standard Phraseology yang digunakan boleh refer entry nie, http://fitla-womenfromvenus.blogspot.com/2014/02/atc-standard-phaseology-contoh-text.html

Exam SPA untuk memasuki Perkhidmatan Pegawai Kawalan Trafik Udara / Air Traffic Control

Assalamualaikum dan Salam 1Malaysia.....

Beberapa minggu lepas me agak terkejut dengan permintaan mendadak friends request kt fb me. Pelik nape tiba-tiba ramai plk orang request nk jadi friend kt fb walaupn xde mutual friends. Biasanyer me akan reject jer DGN SBB UTAMA me tak tau nak masukkan new friends tu dalam friends list yg mana ( me ada ada friend list schoolmate, kwn masa matrik, masa kt U, masa keje kt vads, masa keje skrg, kwn niaga online, family and relative jer. Me xde friend list anonymous)  Kalo semata2 nk berkenalan better pm dulu kenalkan diri baru me akan approve. Bukan sombong tp me lebih suka berkongsi cerita me dgn org yg me kenal jer.... So sapa2 yg ada add me tu sila la pm dulu tujuan add me tu supaya me tau nak letak kt friends list mana.... Jgn kecik hati ar kalo me reject friend request tu.

Ok back pd tujuan add request ramai2 tu rupa-rupanyer in few days akan ada exam SPA utk jawatan Air Traffic Control for A41 and A29. Maybe yg add tu semua cari me kt fb throught my blog nie. Ada jugak yg email me direct request for tips and ada jugak yg pm me from fb also request for tips. Maaf pada yang belum sempat me reply personally tu. Some of them xtau apa2 pn psl ATC nie. Anyway TERIMA KASIH banyak-banyak sebab sudi baca blog yg berhabuk nie. Bukan nyer malas nk update tp KURANG RAJIN jer.... Maklumla dengan tuntutan kerja dan sedang berbadan dua nie tiap kali rest day and off day cuma pikir nk melepek jer. Lappy pn malas nak sentuh.

Sebelum me kongsi apa yang me pernah lalui masa exam dulu me nak kongsi sikit info pada sesiapa yang berminat nak join kerjaya nie. Nie basic info yang perlu diketahui untuk join kerjaya nie. Info nie me copy dr status fb kawan me PakChu. He one of my collegue gak kt DCA KLIA tu.

To all my fren yg 'berkira-kira' tentang kerjaya air traffic controller (ATC) :
1. Kat Malaysia ni, ATC ni kerja kerajaan.
2. Gaji ikut skim kerja kerajaan. Elaun jer yg berbeza.
3. Bil hari cuti tahunan sama mcm penjawat awam lain.
4. Kerja syif, tak kira weekend or hari raya.
5. Training tuk dapatkan lesen ambik masa lebih setahun. Training, teori exam + exam dan simulator.
6. Dh kerja pun masih ada training & exam.
7. Kesihatan : medical class 3 tuk dpt & maintain lesen ATC. Rabun jauh n rabun dekat boleh tapi xboleh rabun warna.
8. Kene lepas ELP (English Language Proficiency) Test mininum band 4 utk maintain life rating.

Sebenarnya me pn xde la pandai sgt nk bg tips exam nie tp me kongsi apa yg me pernah lalui dulu masa 1st stage exam SPA utk job nie. Hopefully ianya membantu sebagai persediaan utk exam tu nnti. Perlu diingatkan apa yang me kongsi nie hanya apa yang me tau dan pernah me lalui dulu disamping info tambahan dr sumber2 yg tak seratus peratus boleh percaya yer. Mana yg baik ambik. Yang rasa xbetul dan salah jgn salahkan me tp tolong betulkan me ok. Kita kongsi sama2..... 

Air Traffic Control in a few words

 

Air Traffic Control in the nutshell

Different job description and area but still the Guardians of the sky :)

Congratulation and Celebration

Assalamualaikum and Selamat Hari Jumaat all.....

I just would like to say congratulation to all candidates who succeeded for ATCO A41 intake 2013.... its including my colleague at KLIA (6 candidates) which also succeeded with this intake secara KPSL (Kenaikan Pangkat Secara Lantikan). Confirm ada makan-makan kt tower nnti masa keje malam..... Yeahhhh

Banzai Banzai Banzai!!!!!!

I should say "Welcome to the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia" for a new comer. Enjoy ur new journey as new ATCO which i guaranty u will love the job and definitely will love for what u will be doing for ur entire age until u retire la..... :)

If u make a visit to KLIA tower, please look for me ok.... 

It a celebration yoo!!!!!

For those yang kurang berjaya, don't give up. Try again in next intake cause where there is a need, there is a way. U can make it. It just a matter of time..... So please try again. It worth it. Really..... 

JANA 

Question and Answer

Question

Hi again mdm faezah,

thank you for your wilingness in fulfilling my curiosity needs haha. i must say, i envy you a lot (in a good way) for having the best-est time of your life and having the chance to enjoy it every single moment you can.

well 3 years in my case is actually quite a long time, i'm not sure i can hang on that long haha. i've been planning on trying out for a29 but i'm afraid it's pretty hard to naik ke a41:( is it? by kekosongan kan. will it be possible if i take the a29 and then once i got through the department, i took cuti belajar and finish up my degree to get to that a41 one. or is it much better if i just pursue my 2 year degree and apply for the job, a41, right after i finish up my degree.

lend me your best thought on this dear soon-to-become-senior-hopefully :)

regards,

annurrazali

Answer

Salam annurrazali,
To be truth I can’t answer ur question since u urself have to decide what path can u want to choose. I can only give my opinion base on my experience.

U may apply for a29 since u already have diploma. It not hard to naik to A41 but definately not in short period. I mean kene ikut seniority la and ia BUKAN by kekosongan. Kalo dulu mmg susah nk naik pangkat dlm ATC nie. Sometimes from a29 nk kene a36 it will take 10 years+ depend on ur Penilaian Prestasi. Yang A41 pn nk naik A44 pn ada senior yg took almost 20 years!!! Tp since last year PM dh umumkan semua jawatan dlm gov are on time based so now in 8 years mcm mana pn u akan naik gred. To pursue ur degree after accepting a29 job it may be difficult. Bkn nak down kan tp bayang kan once u dah masuk ATC bkn boleh terus duduk kt dpn strip or counsel tu and terus bg arahan kt kapal. U have to go for 1 ½ years training at academy. How u want to continue ur study? And I would like to inform u that tiada cuti belajar BERGAJI PENUH for Penolong Pegawai dalam gov service. Yang ada utk Pegawai sahaja. Kalo ada pn cuti belajar separuh gaji. Kalo u take cuti tanpa gaji utk belajar u will loose ur seniority. Sbb tu byk PPKTU yg ambik belajar separuh masa. That a lot to think about bila u dh msk gomen nie. I have friend dlm my batch yg masa dpt offer ATC tu tgh buat Master. Since dh kene masuk academy mmg xleh nk belajar or buat tesis even during weekend sbb masa kt Academy sendiri there are a lot to learn too. Dgn exam n test sometimes in every week mmg susah nk sambung belajar. Actually dulu jabatan xbape galakan kenaikan pangkat dlm jabatan tp dia galakkan u all belajar. So mcm mana tu??? Hehehe kalo nk tau next batch 2013 nie ada intake from oldest ATC yg skrg nie PPKTU and dieorg apply for PKTU punya position from SPA. They undergo same exam, same test and same interview with this coming intake since Jabatan mcm dh ada kelonggaran utk bg peluang mereka-mereka nie naikkan pangkat tp they have to go mcm peserta lain la. I heard some of them have succeeded!!! So boleh la nak try bila dh jadi A29 nk apply A41 bila uol dh ada degree nnti.

My only suggestion is go through ur degree, finish it and apply direct position A41!!!!

 

Question

salam.. kak, saya memang sangat2 berminat nak jadi ATC. saya baru apply untuk post PEMBANTU KAWALAN TRAFIK UDARA GRED A17 di laman web SPA. saya apply untuk post tu sebagai langkah pertama untuk jadi ATC, ok ke? saya sekarang sedang mengambil degree in Aviation Management. Dalam end of JUne 2013 habislah. saya saja apply awal sebab takut procedure lama. saya harap akak boleh jadi sumber inspirasi@idola saya..

Answer

Salam Nora,

Akak xde dengar lg pasal intake A17 nie. I think dh lama gak jabatan xambik batch utk A17. Last batch yg akak kenal cuma batch 2007/8 yg akak kenal dlm jabatan. Ikutkan thn lepas KALO SPBA tu jadi dibuat, tidak ada lg jawatan A17 dlm DCA. Dieorang nie akan dijumudkan terus ke jawatan A29. Kalo masuk jawatan A17 uol xde gi kursus ATC mcm Penolong and Pegawai. Kalo mcm kt KLIA uol akan buat keje opis or join AIS team buat NOTAM and flight plan. Kalo kt center uols have to prepare strip la. Batch A17 yg akak kenal nie dh pegi semua kursus ATC last year sbb pasal keluar arahan pasal nk jumudkan tp sampai skrg status dieorang nie masih hanging lagi. Walaupn dh undergo semua training tp diaorang bkn lagi practicing controller. So better abiskan ur degree and nnti apply semula for A41 position yer…. 

Question

Salam kak,

macam mana dengan pakej gaji yang ditawarkan?adakah lebih lumayan daripada pakej gaji jabatan kerajaan yang lain?

selain tu, ade kemudahan kuarters tak untuk staf?

dari segi masa bekerja macam mana plak

terima kasih...

Answer

Hi…

1. Alhamdulillah. So far akak rasa gaji ATC mmg worth it. Walaupn basic mcm gaji jabatan gov lain tp yg membezakan kami adalah elaun. ATC bykkk elaun. Nk sebut semua kt sini susah plk tp mmg worth every penny. Bila u dh jadi practicing controller u elaun can exceed half of ur basic gaji.

2. Kemudahan kuarters depend on ut station. Some airport station provide kuarters mcm Airport Terengganu. Kalo KLIA ada kuarters KLIA yg juga didiami oleh Agensi kerajaan yg lain mcm polis, imigresen, kastam dll Tp ada jgk airport yg xde sedia kuarters. U have to find ur own rmh sewa la and u will get elaun perumahan.

3. Masa berkerja pn depend on station jgk. Ada station 24 hours mcm KLIA, Penang, Johor and Langkawi - most International Airport. Ada airport sampai pkl 10 malam atau last flight yg depart dari airport tu. Kalo flight tu delay maka lambat la tutup airport tu. Kalo airport Tioman sampai ptg jer. So depend. Tp semua station mmg keje on shift. Setiap masa shift depend on airport. Ada keje 6 jam, 8 jam. Kalo KLIA keje 6jam shift petang, esok keje 6 jam shift pagi, ptgnyer masuk semula 12jam utk shift mlm. Lps balik keje mlm tu cuti 2 hari. So kira keje 2 hari cuti 2 hari la….

Question

Dari segi carrier development macam mana pulak?ade pluang X AATCO jadi ATCO?n cepat ke nak naik pangkat?

Answer

Hi.... Rasanyer soalan nie me dh jawab panjang lebar dari soalan yg pertama td. It about seniority, penilaian prestasi and kalo betul dh implement time based maka every 8 year u akan naik gred.

Question

Selepas abis training kat MAVA, adakah tempat posting atas pilihan kita sendiri or DCA akan letak kat mana-mana airport?means no choice...

ni untuk jawatan AATCO A29..kalau kat sarawak mcm mana?

Answer

Masa me kt MAVA dulu after abis training we all diberi borang pilihan posting. Me mintak Subang tp dapat KLIA… So boleh agak la kan x semesti nyer apa yg dipilih tu akan dpt la. Cuma boleh berharap jer. TP still u have a choice. Jabatan xkejam sgt…. 

Kalo jawatan A29, mmg kene hantar kt semua airport even kt small airport mcm airport Marudi. 

Question

i baru lulus 1st exm...any tips for 2nd stage? =)

Answer

Hi Husna,

Kalo tips utk exam and test nie kene bukak post baru. Nnti me akan kongsi pengalaman me masa exam n test dulu. Tp rasanyer mcm dh kongsi di post sebelum-sebelum nie. 

Question

Assalamualaikum kak.

It's been almost a whole year since my first comment here, which I have always felt thankful for the answers given by you ^ ^ And guess what? I just had my 2nd stage assessment at DCA Putrajaya two weeks ago. I'd say my chance is....50-50? It was especially tough during the last test, which where there was a group discussion and presentation, two things that I have been always so bad at. Gemuruh tak hengat T T

I really hope that I won't fail halfway, that would be such an epic tragedy, I want to be a part of your team so badly.

Anyway, since it's Ramadhan, I wish you a Great Fasting Month, and, if it isn't too much trouble, mintak doakan saya lepas masuk sbg ATCO intake tahun ni.

That is, of course, if you aren't too busy, you know, directing traffic in the sky ^^

~n.Yan~

Answer
Hi n.Yan

I’m very sorry kalo I didn’t reply ur pm at fb or here. Mmg sejak dh ada anak nie ada aje yg nk dibuat dan tertangguh2 keje. Niat hati mmg nk reply ur pm last time tp tau jer la bila dh kata nnti2 maka nyer lupa terus. Anyway I heard result interview dh kuar. So good luck and see u soon if u make a visit to KLIA.

Career in Air Traffic Controller / Kerjaya sebagai Kawalan Trafik Udara

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SECTOR

A CAREER IN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Air Traffic Control is a service provided by the Department Of Civil Aviation, Ministry Of Transport for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of traffic within the Malaysian Airspace. The air traffic services is constantly being developed to meet the increasing needs of the modern jet age and requires skilled Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) who will have at their disposal highly sophisticated electronic tools to enable them to provide the service.

The job of an Air Traffic Controllers is unique and demanding for it requires ‘parallel’ thinking and rapid decision making. Each controller will be trained by the department using practical and simulation methods in acquiring the necessary skills.

As a controller, you will be aspired to achieve the objective set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of preventing collision between aircraft in the air and on the manoeuvring area and between aircraft and obstruction and to expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic.

Apart from this reason, the controllers are also expected to play a part and contribute their ideas and skills in the operational planning and administration of the Air Traffic Management Sector under the Department Of Civil Aviation Malaysia.

POST : AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER

A Degree from local university or equivalent qualifications recognized by the Government of Malaysia; and

Obtained at least a pass in Bahasa Malaysia, Mathematics or Science and English at SPM level.

ATCO Grade A41

P1T1 RM 1815.52 - P1T26 RM 4723.82

P2T1 RM 1911.53 - P2T26 RM 5000.60

P3T1 RM 2011.72 - P3T26 RM 5301.27

Commencing salary of RM 1990.20 on P1T3 scale for General Degree or RM 2091.04 on

P1T4 scale for Honours Degree.

PROMOTIONAL GRADE

ATCO Grade A44

P1T1 RM 3027.51 - P1T14 RM 5017.42

P2T1 RM 3351.73 - P2T14 RM 5504.40

ATCO Grade A48

P1T1 RM 4430.15 - P1T8 RM 5881.46

P2T1 RM 4869.86 - P2T8 RM 6438.07

ATCO Grade A52

P1T1 RM 4990.92 - P1T8 RM 6442.23

P2T1 RM 5464.03 - P2T8 RM 7032.24

ATCO Grade A54

P1T1 RM 5256.70 - P1T8 RM 6841.63

P2T1 RM 5721.46 - P2T8 RM 7465.02

POST : AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSISTANT

Diploma holders from UiTM, UTM and other equivalent qualifications recognized by the Government of Malaysia, and

Obtained at least a pass in Bahasa Malaysia, Mathematics or Science and English at SPM level.

ATCO Grade A29

P1T1 RM 1490.41 - P1T22 RM 3054.36

P2T1 RM 1561.50 - P2T22 RM 3254.01

P3T1 RM 1635.61 - P3T22 RM 3435.45

Commencing salary of RM 1298.81 on P1T3 scale for General diploma or RM 1352.05 on

P1T4 scale for Engineering Diploma.

PROMOTIONAL GRADE

ATCO Grade A36

P1T1 RM 2754.86 - P1T14 RM 4518.50

P2T1 RM 2968.12 - P2T14 RM 5023.63

ATCO Grade A38

P1T1 RM 3191.98 - P1T11 RM 4722.68

P2T1 RM 3405.24 - P2T11 RM 5205.14

POST : AIR TRAFFIC ASSISTANT

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders or any other equivalent qualifications recognized by the Govenment of Malaysia; and

Credit in Mathematics, English and any one of Science subject, and pass in Bahasa Malaysia (including oral) at SPM level.

ATCO Gred A17

P1T1 RM 829.45 - P1T24 RM 2178.66

P2T1 RM 882.39 - P2T24 RM 2299.69

P3T1 RM 936.84 - P3T24 RM 2425.14

PROMOTIONAL GRADE

ATCO Gred A22

P1T1 RM 1735.44 - P1T15 RM 2866.82

P2T1 RM 1877.62 - P2T14 RM 3184.42

ATCO Gred A26

P1T1 RM 2217.93 - P1T9 RM 3016.57

P2T1 RM 2431.19 - P2T9 RM 3302.39

PROFESSIONAL ALLOWANCES

A licensed ATCO shall receive a professional allowance in addition to the salary and various government allowances paid on a monthly basis.

a) Incentive (Licensed) Allowance

Grade A29 RM 250.00

Grade A36 RM 350.00

Grade A38 RM 400.00

Grade A41 RM 600.00

Grade A44 RM 700.00

Grade A48 RM 900.00

Grade A52 RM 1000.00

Grade A54 RM 1200.00

In addition, a licensed ATCO who performs Air Traffic Control functions and hold a current Air Traffic Control Ratings shall receive the following;

Guardians of the skies

WHEN told that about 2,500 aircraft fly through Peninsula Malaysia airspace in a single day, and having seen the multitude of blips on an air traffic controller’s computer radar screen, one can’t help but imagine the skies of Coruscant in the Star Wars movies, filled with flying objects.

But of course, in real life, outside of science fiction, flying craft do not fly so close together. That would be too dangerous. Even if one were a superpilot, the margin of error would be too narrow. In fact, in air traffic control, there is absolutely no margin for errors. Nothing is left to chance. Vertically, planes are 1,000 feet (305m) apart, while horizontally they are five miles (8km) away from each other.

“If you’re travelling in an aircraft and you see another aircraft very large and nearby, then an air traffic controller will soon be facing suspension!” said Balasubramaniam Muttaya, director of the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre in Subang. “We do not allow that.”

There is absolutely no margin for error in air traffic control.

On any given day, the air traffic control centre is a buzz of activity. On the day that I visited the KL centre, I thought there would be incredible tension in the room. An air traffic controller’s job is known to be one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. And having seen movies like Pushing Tin, one would expect air traffic controllers to be an eccentric, wild-eyed bunch.

Nope. There was a sense of urgency in the room, but hardly any tension. And air traffic controllers are a lovely bunch. Sorry, no Hollywood stereotypes here.

But there are indeed very strict rules to the job. In a recent case in the United States, an air traffic controller was immediately suspended after he was caught, of all things, watching a Samuel Jackson movie while on the job. There is no second chance because hundreds and even thousands of lives are in the hands of each controller.

As Balasubramaniam said: “The most important thing is safety. We cannot compromise on that, we cannot put anything in jeopardy.”

There are a total 968 air traffic controllers in the country, with 621 in the Peninsula, and 347 in Sabah and Sarawak. Those above the age of 40 have to go for medical exams every year, while it is once every two years for those under 40. Day shifts are six hours each, while night shifts are 12 hours. They are allowed a few breaks during shifts, and those who work the night shift get the next day off.

At the KL centre, there are about 35 to 38 controllers per shift.

‘

The most important thing is safety. We cannot compromise on that; we cannot put anything in jeopardy,’ says Balasubramaniam Muttaya.

Controllers have to be on call at all times in case someone calls in sick.

“If everyone goes on sick leave, then we would have to close down our airspace!” Balasubramaniam laughed. “This is a very unique job,” he said.

“In fact, it is better than a doctor’s job. Once you’re appointed a controller, apart from your basic salary given by the Cabinet, you’re also given an incentive allowance to hold that job. But you must be medically fit, proficient in the English language, and you must be good.

“When you’re communicating with the pilot, and he or she has an emergency, if you’re going to take time to understand what he or she is saying and you cannot react quickly, then you are a hazard. Lives are involved, not just one but a few hundred.”

Controllers are trained to handle all sorts of emergencies. They have to constantly practise those procedures, and are given regular refresher courses to maintain a high standard.

When a person sits in the controller’s chair, she or he is the only one allowed to speak to the pilots. The pilots, in turn, have to follow the instructions of the controller who determines everything from the height of the aircraft to its speed.

“If (the pilot) does not do what we ask, we have all the right to withdraw his licence,” said Balasubramaniam, who first trained to become an air traffic controller in 1975 after he completed his Form Five. “But at the same time, if the controller doesn’t follow ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, rules and regulations, then I have the right to withdraw the controller’s licence. He or she will be suspended, rating put on hold, and further investigation will be carried out.”

The air traffic control division itself is subject to audits by the Air Traffic Inspectorate.

Ooi Chuan Leong, principal assistant director of the Inspectorate, said it carries out safety oversight audits at all air traffic control units every year. Checks are also carried out on the simulators at training academies, on controllers who have been transferred to a new station and have completed their on-the-job training, and on controllers’ proficiency to ensure they maintain the required standard.

Balasubramaniam said there could be a number of reasons for an incident. Human error, equipment failure, stress, medication or family problems could be factors that can affect a controller’s performance.

“In the future, we plan to have something like a fish pond (at the centre) where people can relax,” he said. “In Singapore, it’s very nice because you go out and you can see the sea. People can relax before they go back to the job. But we don’t have the luxury of sufficient staff to do that yet.”

Chronology of events

> 1898: A balloonist jumps off the top of a government building in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, and crashes at the edge of the Selangor Padang Club.

> 1911: G.P. Fuller makes the first recorded flight in Malaya and lands his Antoinette Monoplane at the race course in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

> 1924: The first civil aircraft in Malaya, a Fokker FVII of KLM, lands on a bumpy grass strip in Alor Setar, Kedah.

> 1928: Alor Setar, Kedah, becomes the hub of aviation activities in Malaya as KLM carries out fortnightly services.

> 1929: Aviation comes to Kuala Lumpur with the inaugural meeting of the Malayan Aeroplane Club held in the Malay States Volunteer Reserve Mess.

> 1930: Commercial aviation begins in Malaya with the services of Imperial Airways and its “flying boat” operations in Penang.

> 1938: War breaks out and all civil aviation aircraft are requisitioned by the government.

> 1948 Kuala Lumpur Airport in Sungai Besi is expanded.

> 1956: Kuala Lumpur Airport in Sungai Besi is upgraded to international airport status with the first flight to Europe taking off there.

> 1965: Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Subang is officially opened by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Putra ibni al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail.

> 1972: Malaysian Airlines System takes to the skies.

> 1992: Malaysia Airports Bhd is formed.

> 1998: Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang is officially opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja’afar ibni al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

> 2001: AirAsia is bought by Tune Air Sdn Bhd for RM1.

> 2006: The LCCT-KLIA terminal opens to cater to low-cost carriers.

> 2007: AirAsia X, which provides high-frequency long-haul flights, begins operations.

_____________________________________________________________

Sumber dari The Star Online Monday June 13, 2011.

I loveeeeeee my job.... :)

The View from Above

Most people don’t give them a second thought, but air traffic controllers are among the people who ensure travellers reach their destinations safely.

Like a game of chess, air traffic control is all about tactical manoeuvres and strategy, says a seasoned air traffic controller (ATC).
However, instead of starting with 16 chess pieces, a controller juggles with up to 35 aircraft at any one time. And rather than setting and achieving long-term goals like in chess, he focuses on where to place different planes in a limited time in a smooth sequence.

A view of KLIA from the air traffic control tower

The goal? To shepherd the planes safely to their destinations and to prevent an aerial pile-up. When a chess player loses, the result is dejection and a bruised ego, but when an ATC “loses”, many lives are lost.
Most of us take ATCs for granted. After all, how many of us would thank the ATCs when our flights arrive or depart punctually, or we arrive in one piece? The fact is, ATCs are like the pilot’s extra pair of eyes and brain. Using sophisticated radar systems that provide an overview of the airspace, ATCs can help pilots manage flight paths.
On the ground (airport), ATCs provide clearance for landing, taxing on the runway and parking at the gate.
“When we are in the airspace, we can’t spot the other planes so we depend on the ATCs to give us advice,” says commercial pilot K. Abu Bakar, 35, who has been flying for 13 years.
“ATCs are like traffic policemen — they direct aircraft traffic and make sure aircraft are kept at a safe distance. The final responsibility lies with the pilot, especially during emergencies, and sometimes he may divert from the ATC’s instructions. But it’s safe to say ATCs and pilots play almost a 50-50 role in ensuring flight safety,” he adds.
One of the worst crashes in aviation history happened in 1996 in India when a language mix-up between pilots and ATCs resulted in a mid-air collision between a Kazakh Airways cargo plane and a Saudi Airways Boeing 747 with 350 fatalities.
In 2001 in Japan, confusing instructions from inexperienced ground controllers led to a near-collision between two jumbo jets. In 2006, a Nigerian airliner crashed, killing 96 passengers, because the pilot didn’t heed the advice of traffic controllers to wait out the stormy weather before taking off.

ATCs also play guardian angels to pilots in distress.Klang Valley-based air traffic controller K. Mani Vannan, 31, recalls an accident when a trainee pilot got lost on his solo flight from Johor Baru to Malacca due to bad weather.
“He sounded terrified, and I don’t blame him because imagine yourself flying in between big clouds and not being able to see where you are,” says Mani.
The inexperienced pilot was flying using visual reference points and had no experience with instrument controls. An experienced pilot would have switched to instrument controls when visibility gets bad.
“His plane’s height was insufficient to be picked up by radar so he was instructed to climb higher,” says Mani. “Turned out he was almost 100km off route. We guided him back to the right path and he landed safely in Malacca.”
Malaysia’s civil aviation standard is, thankfully, on par with developed nations. Under the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), our air traffic management functions with clockwork precision and abides by standards drawn up by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
So far there hasn’t been any major accidents caused by the errors of ATCs.

How it works
In Malaysia, the Subang Air Traffic Control Centre handles all aircraft that criss-cross Peninsular Malaysia’s airspace, and the arrivals and departures at the numerous airports, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). In contrast, the KLIA Control Tower only handles arrivals and departures at KLIA.
“On average, we are talking about 30 aircraft an hour in just the approach landing area (40 miles radius prior to destination), and about 2,000 to 2,200 aircraft movements in a day,” says Subang-based Balasubramaniam Muttaya, director of Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre. He handles the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR).
Aircraft surveillance is done with radars strategically placed around the country. Outside these areas, aircraft are tracked using satellites. In addition, KLIA and Kuala Terengganu airports have state-of-the-art ground radars called MLAT (Multilateration) that track all the movement on airport grounds.
Say a pilot is flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru, he would put in a flight plan stating the route he’s taking, at what altitude and the emergency equipment he has onboard.
“The ATC will start to arrange the sequence of the planes that are flying from over 100 miles or more. He’ll instruct the pilots on who lands, who needs to hold up, lose time or depart later. We have a standard minimum of five nautical miles (9.6km) separation and 1,000ft (304m) vertical separation between two aircraft in a controlled airspace, and a three-nautical mile (5.5km) separation during approach landing,” says Balasubramaniam, who joined ATC fresh out of school and rose through the ranks.
Cruising at an average speed of 300 to 400 knots per hour (555.6kph to 740.8kph), a plane needs at least 8km to 16km to reduce its speed by 200 knots.
“You must think and act fast when sequencing the airplanes, otherwise traffic overtakes you,” explains Balasubramaniam.
The margin for error is so slim that it is considered unacceptable that planes be separated by 4.8 nautical miles, Balasubramaniam adds.
When a near-miss occurs, Balasubramaniam suspends the controller until the case is fully investigated. All radar information and communication between pilots and controllers are recorded. If the ATC is at fault, he or she will be suspended for four to five months and required to go for re-training.
“Of course, I must be fair to all sides. Sometimes it’s pilot error or even my fault, like when my instructions are not given properly,” says Balasubramaniam whose career spans 35 years.
“Touch wood but we have had no major crashes so far,” Balasubramaniam adds. “Most delays are caused by unpredictable weather and the scheduling by airlines during peak hours.”
Other factors include bad visibility during extreme weather, a wet and slippery runway, oil spillage on the ground and debris on the runway.
A common problem that ATCs encounter is language barrier. One of the most important criteria in becoming an ATC is proficiency in English, the common language in the aviation industry.

ATCs Suzana Sumanan

Coping on the jobIt’s no secret that an ATC’s job is one of the most stressful. But after 12 years, KLIA-based Suzana Sumanan, 43, has learned to take things in stride.
“At KLIA, we work in teams if there’s less traffic. If one person takes a break, the other takes over the controls,” says Suzana who is among the 24% of Malaysian ATCs who are women.
“We are only allowed a maximum of one hour to 1½ hours at the controls each time to avoid burnout. Then we rest for 30 minutes, get refreshed before returning to our shift.”
ATCs work six-hour shifts or 12-hour shifts, depending on their schedule. After each 12-hour shift, they get to take two days off. Sometimes, though, they are called back when someone goes on emergency leave.
“I think the recovery time is good enough. When I leave the building, I make sure I leave work behind,” says the mother of four kids who enjoys cooking for her family and watching TV to relax. “
“What’s important is that we follow procedure to the tee, are alert and aware of any new instructions like the closing of a runway.”
Balasubramaniam monitors his staff closely to ensure they don’t bring their personal problems to work.
“I’ll try to counsel them and find out what’s wrong,” says Balasubramaniam. “It’s important to have open communication.”
In his 30 years as an ATC, Nagayaindran S. Narayanan, 51, has seen it all.
He’ll never forget the sight of charred bodies being lugged out of the badly burnt international transfer corridor of Subang Terminal 1 in the 90s. He was the one who spotted the billowing smoke from the control tower and alerted the Airport Fire and Rescue services.

ATCs Nagayaindran

“I remember once rushing to Subang Airport for my afternoon shift to find the control tower looking like a mammoth pot sitting on a camp fire,” recalls Nagayaindran, now the principal assistant director of Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre. The October 1992 fire was caused by a disgruntled ATC.
“It was painful. It was my ‘home’ and a place I came not only to work, but to get my daily dose of excitement.”
Long-time ATCs like Nagayaindran will never forget the historical moment when KLIA started operations for the first time on June 30, 1998.
“Like flocks of migrating birds, the entire MAS fleet flew from Subang to KLIA,” says Nagayaindran.
“My colleagues and I cleared the aircraft to land for the first time in KLIA. It was a culmination of a meticulous plan initiated years before — the procurement of equipment, installation, training and the certification of ATCs were orchestrated to perfection.”
After three decades, Nagayaindran still gets a kick out of a day spent at the controls.
“Each day is never the same; one drama is different from the other. Even after so many years, the sight of these airplanes’ graceful performance is a sight to behold,” he admits.
“When you manage to squeeze the maximum number of planes safely through your chunk of airspace or runway, it gets your adrenaline pumping and it’s exhilarating!”

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Source from The Star

The excitement of this job that i may soon experience and who knows maybe, someday there will be my pics in this and proudly say about the experience and the job........... insyaallah :)
Jana

A Good Career Option - Air Traffic Control

So, are you cut out to be an air traffic controller (ATC)? Here are the perks: it offers among the most lucrative wages in the civil service plus all the benefits, and you only clock in an average of 15 days a month and never need to take your work home.

Sounds like a sweet deal.

But the catch is that you must be the sort that doesn’t buckle under intense pressure, can think on your feet and make snap decisions, and a team player.

Currently, Malaysia has 661 licensed ATCs whose ages range from the early 20s to 63. Altogether, 967 people are required. This means 192 posts are still vacant, says Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar, director of the Air Traffic Management Sector of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). “The current number of ATCs is enough to cater to our day-to-day operations. However, controllers need to attend refresher training and courses for career development. It’s difficult to find staffers to cover the shifts when some ATCs are sent for training,” says Ahmad Nizar
To qualify for an ATC post, you need to be a diploma or degree holder in any field. Once accepted, you have to undergo 66 weeks of training at Malaysia Aviation Academy (Mava). A three- or four- month, on-the-job training at operation rooms will follow before a trainee goes for exams. If you pass with flying colours, you will get your ATC licence.
A word of advice from ATC Sahrol Nizal: “Prepare yourself mentally as the initial training demands a lot from you. Lots of people drop out halfway because they can’t cope with the subjects and the stress (even while in training). You have to be really determined!”
Entry-level wage for a diploma-holder is around RM2,400, and RM3,000 for a degree- holder. An ATC with five years’ experience can expect to take home between RM3,200 and RM4,300 plus medical and housing perks and overtime allowances. Beyond the pay and perks, most long-time ATCs stay on because of the thrill and sense of pride they derive from their jobs.
“I love the challenge. It’s no longer stressful once you’re seasoned at it,” says Sim Mong Heong, 61. Sim retired at the age of 56 but rejoined DCA on a contract basis.
“When you’re dealing with so many planes coming in all at once but you take all of them as near as possible and have enough separation and no delays, you’ve done a great job.”
“You have to love aviation to take on the job,” adds Nagayaindran S. Narayanan who has 30 years of traffic control experience under his belt. “Mistakes are unforgiving, the hours are ungodly, the weather messes up your plans and the money doesn’t commensurate with the risk . . .
“But at the end of the day, the job satisfaction trumps it all. You either love it or hate it, never in between. The choice is yours!”
■ If you’re interested in becoming an ATC, visit the Public Service Commission website to check vacancies and to apply online: http://www.spa.gov.my/ Or visit http://www.dca.gov.my/ tel: (03) 8871 4000

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So anyone interesed to join and take the challenge. I still in the early stage and have a long way to go and to experience.......... :)

Jana

It's Work as Usual for Air Traffic Control Staff

This time the articles are in English and come out at New Straits TImes on 22 Sept 2009......... I think i also gonna be like once.......

It's work as usual for air traffic control staff 

Subang Jaya: Sunday may have been Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but for a group of about 40 staff members at the air traffic control centre in Subang, it was just another day at work.
Air traffic controller Nor Rohani Mohamad, 42, said the arrival of Syawal nevertheless brought joy to the staff there.

"We organised a small celebration where we exchanged meals and cookies," she said at the centre on Sunday.
Usually, she said, she would go back to her village in Kuantan, but not this year.
Air traffic controller Md Nastain Mahazur (right), Richard Tan and Syanaria Huda Mohd Sarif at work during Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the Air Traffic Control Centre Complex at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport on Sunday.
"We take turns to go on Hari Raya leave. Maybe next year I will get the chance to take leave during Aidilfitri," said Rohani, who has been working at the centre for the past 13 years.
Colleague Amir Zulhairi Mohd Yusof, 33, said he had yet to celebrate Aidilfitri in his hometown in Jempol, Negri Sembilan, since his transfer from Tioman, Pahang, in 2005.
"We work in shifts and in the last five years, I always work on the morning shift during Aidilfitri, which starts at 7am.
"At times I feel a bit sad but I have accepted the nature of my job and the heavy responsibility that comes with it," he said.

Department of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said the department appreciated the sacrifice of its staff.
"It's a huge responsibility. We coordinate the movement of aircraft including those using the airports in Subang and Sungai Besi, as well as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
"We need to know the exact movement of aircraft going in and out of our airspace 24 hours a day. There is no room for error," said Azharuddin, who visited the staff at the air traffic control centre on Sunday. -- Bernama

"Bermain" Dengan Nyawa

I have got to know this articles from cari forum.com. Just want to share what i really want to be soon called ATC..........

This articles come out on 30/09/2009 in Utusan Malaysia with the title........

'Bermain' dengan nyawa

Tugas mereka 'bermain' dengan nyawa. Sekiranya berlaku kecuaian di pihak pegawai kawalan trafik udara maka beratus-ratus nyawa akan melayang begitu sahaja.
Walaupun ramai yang menjangkakan tugasnya seperti polis trafik yang menjaga lalu lintas di jalan raya namun di udara tiada lampu trafik yang boleh membenarkan sesuatu pesawat berhenti sekiranya terdapat pesawat yang menuju ke arahnya.

Oleh kerana tanggungjawab besar yang harus digalas, hanya individu yang komited, berani, teliti dan membuat keputusan cepat sahaja yang boleh mengharungi kerjaya ini.
Pengarah Pusat Kawalan Trafik Udara FIR Kuala Lumpur, Balasubramaniam Muttaya berkata, seseorang yang ingin menjadi pegawai kawalan trafik udara harus menjalani tiga kali ujian yang dijalankan oleh Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA) dan Jabatan Penerbangan Awam.
Ujian tersebut ialah IQ dan matematik, ujian suara dan temuduga di mana jika lulus barulah boleh memasuki Kolej Penerbangan Awam, Subang untuk menjalani kursus hampir tiga tahun.
Semasa di kolej, pelatih harus menamatkan pengajian dengan jayanya dalam bidang aerodrome control dan memperoleh Aerodrome Control Rating, Approach Control (Approach Control Rating) dan Area Control (Area Control Rating).

Setelah tamat pengajian, pelatih perlu menjalani latihan amali di beberapa lapangan terbang selama tiga bulan, kemudian barulah ditempatkan di sektor penerbangan bagi mengendalikan tugas-tugas sebenar di menara kawalan atau bilik radar.
"Cabarannya cukup banyak kerana setiap sektor mempunyai tanggungjawab yang berlainan kerana perjalanan pesawat bukan mengikut paten yang sama begitu juga jenis pesawat yang sama tidak mendarat setiap hari.
"Satu lagi kewajipan bagi seorang pegawai kawalan trafik udara ialah mempunyai lesen yang membolehkannya bekerja di sesuatu posisi.
"Setiap seorang petugas perlu mempunyai lima lesen dalam tempoh yang ditetapkan. Lesen yang perlu dimiliki ialah dalam sektor aerodrome, approach control, area procedural, area radar dan approach radar.
"Bagi mendapat sesuatu lesen, seseorang pegawai itu juga harus lulus pemeriksaan perubatan. Bagi yang berumur 40 tahun ke bawah harus menjalani pemeriksaan dua tahun sekali manakala 40 tahun ke atas, setahun sekali. Jika berlaku kehilangan lesen itu, maka petugas tidak boleh bertugas,'' katanya ketika ditemui baru-baru ini.
Tambah Balasubramaniam, kefasihan berbahasa Inggeris adalah diwajibkan kepada semua petugas kerana pegawai berinteraksi dengan juruterbang dan pusat kawalan asing.
Sekiranya keputusan peperiksaan mereka berada di tahap enam, maka tidak perlu mengambil peperiksaan itu seumur hidup, jika tahap lima, maka petugas perlu mengambil enam tahun sekali dan tahap empat, tiga tahun sekali manakala jika mendapat tahap 1, 2 dan 3 iaitu tidak lulus maka pegawai itu tidak dibenarkan mengendali tugas, tidak diberi lesen, tidak menunjukkan prestasi dan tidak akan ada elaun insentif.
"Justeru itu, mereka perlu menjalani peperiksaan semula bagi mendapatkan hak yang telah digantung atau ditarik balik
"Jadual kerja juga unik iaitu dua hari bekerja dengan dua hari cuti. Syifnya dari 1 petang hingga 7 malam, kemudian 7 pagi hingga 1 petang dan disambung ke 7 petang hingga 7 pagi. Inilah cabarannya yang bekerja 24 jam.
"Mereka turut dibenarkan berehat selama 30 minit hingga 45 minit. Penggunaan telefon bimbit tidak digalakkan dan harus dalam mood senyap kerana bakal mengganggu frekuensi,'' jelasnya yang telah berpengalaman lebih 30 tahun dalam bidang kawalan trafik udara ini.
Menurutnya, risiko semasa menjalankan tugasan ini cukup banyak, jika berlaku kecuaian, maka kemalangan boleh berlaku. Namun begitu bukan semua kemalangan disebabkan oleh arahan pegawai kawalan trafik udara, ada juga disebabkan oleh kecuaian juruterbang, peralatan dan prosedur tidak diikuti.
"Oleh itu, bagi pegawai kawalan trafik udara sama ada wanita atau lelaki, ketelitian, kecekapan dan kepantasan dalam membuat keputusan amat dititikberatkan demi memastikan pesawat berada dalam keadaan selamat sama ada mendarat atau berlepas,'' katanya yang mengalu-alukan lebih ramai wanita menceburi bidang ini. - SADATUL MAHIRAN ROSLI

Mengelak tragedi di udara

Lesennya cukup besar, tanggungjawabnya juga sungguh berat dan lebih berkuasa daripada seorang juruterbang. Bahkan, arahan mereka harus diikuti dan juruterbang yang ingkar boleh digantung lesen penerbangannya.
Tugasnya termasuk memberi arahan dan kebenaran kepada pesawat-pesawat bagi tujuan mengelakkan perlanggaran di udara dan di bumi serta mengatur trafik udara dengan selamat, teratur dan pantas.
Seberat tugasnya, berat juga kursus yang harus diambil bagi melayakkan seseorang menjadi Pegawai Kawalan Trafik Udara. Kursus yang memakan masa tiga tahun itu benar-benar menguji kesabaran, ketahanan dan komitmen seseorang dalam mengharungi impian bagi menjawat jawatan tersebut. Tidak ramai yang sanggup meredahnya dan ramai hanya sekadar berjaya di separuh jalan.
Begitu juga dengan kewajipan untuk mendapatkan lesen yang membolehkan seseorang pegawai itu dibenarkan bekerja di posisi tertentu, kefasihan berbahasa Inggeris dan sihat fizikal dan mental tanpa obesiti, rabun atau gayat.
Maka yang tinggal ialah individu yang terbaik dan sanggup menghadapi cabaran serta mempunyai tahap kecekapan yang tinggi bagi mengendalikan pergerakan penerbangan dengan cekap tanpa mengancam keselamatan sebagai pegawai kawalan trafik udara.
Pusat Kawalan Trafik Udara FIR Kuala Lumpur yang terletak di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS), merupakan nadi pusat kawalan untuk seluruh negara.
Pusat ini juga telah menjadi rumah kedua bagi empat wanita gigih yang merupakan antara 14 peratus pegawai kawalan trafik udara wanita di seluruh negara yang seolah-olah 'penjaga nyawa' kepada mereka yang berada dalam pesawat.
Penolong Pengarah (Sumber Manusia) Jabatan Penerbangan Awam yang juga approach radar controller, Wan Fadhilah Wan Zainal Abidin, 42, memberitahu, selain bertugas di unit sumber manusia, beliau turut menjalankan tugas kawalan trafik udara sekiranya terdapat kekurangan kakitangan.
Bertindak sebagai approach radar yang setakat ini hanya disandang oleh lima orang wanita, adalah satu tugas berat dan berbahaya. Tugasnya menjalankan pengawasan radar kepada pesawat-pesawat yang berlepas dari dan akan mendarat ke Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), SAAS dan Sepang atau pesawat-pesawat yang melalui ruang angkasa di bawah jagaan. 

"Selain itu, saya juga menentukan slot masa bagi pesawat-pesawat yang ingin berlepas jika keadaan memerlukan dan sentiasa membuat pemeriksaan atau kesesuaian dan perhatian ke atas video map.
"Untuk duduk di approach radar, bukan calang-calang orang, hanya yang berkeyakinan, berani, pemikiran cepat, pandai mengawal situasi dan tidak teragak-agak membuat keputusan. Ini kerana merekalah mengawal pergerakan kapal di kedudukan tengah turun dan naik iaitu di paras 3,000 kaki hingga 14,000 kaki.
"Untuk sampai ke jawatan ini, sekurang-kurangnya mempunyai 10 tahun pengalaman dan telah mendapat kelima-lima lesen pegawai kawalan trafik udara iaitu Aerodrome Control Rating, Approach Control Rating, Area Procedural Rating, Area Radar Rating dan Approach Radar Rating.
"Dahulu saya bercita-cita menjadi juruterbang, tetapi rupa-rupanya jawatan yang disandang ini lebih berkuasa daripada juruterbang.
"Jika juruterbang tidak ikut arahan pegawai kawalan trafik maka laporan akan dibuat dan jika didapati bersalah, lesen juruterbang berkenaan akan ditarik. Ini kerana mereka tidak mengikut peraturan Pertubuhan Penerbangan Awam Antarabangsa," kata bekas tutor Universiti Malaya ini.
Tambahnya, seseorang pegawai kawalan trafik jua harus tidak berada dalam keadaan stres. Segala tekanan sama ada dengan keluarga atau lain-lain harus diselesaikan sebelum memulakan kerja.
Ini kerana pekerjaan yang dilakukan melibatkan nyawa orang dan sudah tentu keputusan yang baik tidak dapat dilakukan jika fikiran bercelaru.
Sementara itu seorang lagi area radar controller wanita, Rahayu Ali, 37, menyifatkan jawatan yang disandang sejak 12 tahun lalu itu cukup mencabar.
"Bukan sekadar kursus tetapi kewajipan untuk mendapatkan lesen yang membolehkan seseorang itu bertugas serta kefasihan dalam berbahasa Inggeris benar-benar menguji kesungguhan seseorang untuk terus mengabdikan diri dalam kerjaya ini.
"Kemalangan udara adalah risiko utama dalam kerjaya ini sekiranya berlaku kecuaian di peringkat pegawai kawalan trafik udara dan juruterbang. Bukan sekadar satu dua nyawa tetapi ratusan.
"Justeru sebagai area radar controller yang berkomunikasi dengan juruterbang bagi mengelakkan berlakunya sebarang pertembungan pesawat di udara, percaturan kedudukan pesawat dan komunikasi yang lancar dan tepat sangat penting.
"Bertugas hanya berpandukan video map tanpa melihat sebenarnya kedudukan pesawat seperti mana di menara kawalan, lebih mencabar kerana kami perlu merancang susunan trafik dengan pantas dan cekap tanpa mengancam keselamatan dengan mengambil kira keadaan cuaca dan alat bantu penerbangan yang sedia ada.
"Penyampaian arahan kepada juruterbang juga perlu terang dan tepat malah segala penerangan dan informasi bagi tujuan keselamatan mengendalikan pesawat harus disediakan oleh area radar controller,'' katanya.
Ketangkasan
Menurut graduan pengurusan perniagaan Universiti Utara Malaysia yang menjaga sektor lima iaitu kawasan Pekan, Pahang dan ke atas, Ho Chin Minh, Bangkok, Manila dan Macau, perebutan untuk mendarat dahulu oleh pesawat sering berlaku.
"Menjadi tugas kami untuk menyelesaikan perkara ini dengan menyusun trafik mengikut jenis dan besarnya sesuatu pesawat. Justeru itu, selain mengawal trafik, pegawai harus tahu setiap ciri pesawat yang dikendalikannya.
"Ketangkasan pegawai harus ada kerana dalam masa setengah atau satu jam sekurang-kurangnya 15 pesawat memerlukan bantuan pegawai sama ada untuk berlepas, mendarat atau melepasi ruang angkasa.
"Cuaca buruk kadangkala menyebabkan juruterbang tidak mengikut arahan. Sehubungan itu, area radar controller perlu fleksibel, kreatif dan mempunyai pelan B dalam membetulkan keadaan.
"Inilah perlunya pengalaman, semakin lama seseorang itu bertugas, semakin pantas dia dapat menyelesaikan masalah tersebut,'' kata wanita kelahiran Batu Pahat, Johor.
Sementara itu Azah Fauziah Ariff, 30, yang bertindak sebagai area procedural controller menganggap tanggungjawab yang diserahkan kepadanya begitu besar dan memerlukan pengorbanan bukan sahaja masa tetapi tenaga bagi melayakkan beliau menyandang jawatan tersebut.
"Sebagai area procedural controller, saya menjalankan koordinasi dengan kawalan penerbangan FIR jiran dalam sektor 1 yang melibatkan Bangkok, Jakarta, Butterworth dan lain-lain.
"Saya harus pastikan kawalan penerbangan yang dituju oleh pesawat, contohnya dari Kuala Lumpur ke Bangkok, menerima perincian mengenai ketibaan pesawat tersebut.
"Justeru ia berbeza dengan area radar controller yang berhubung terus dengan juruterbang sedangkan saya berhubung dengan kawalan penerbangan berdekatan,'' kata graduan Bioteknologi dari Universiti Putra Malaysia ini.
Anak jati Kuala Lumpur yang baru mendirikan rumah tangga ini memberitahu, seseorang yang telah memasuki kerjaya ini harus pandai membahagikan masa dan mempunyai pasangan yang memahami.
"Ini kerana keadaan syif yang sungguh berbeza daripada kerjaya yang lain. Contohnya, mula bekerja 1 petang hingga 7 malam hari Isnin, 7 pagi hingga 1 petang (Selasa) dan bersambung 7 petang (Selasa) hingga 7 pagi (Rabu). Cuti diberi setelah dua hari bekerja, ini bermakna cuti Rabu dan Khamis,'' ujarnya yang tidak menyangka terpilih ditemuduga oleh Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam untuk menjawat jawatan ini daripada 10 pilihan yang lain beberapa tahun lalu.
Bagi aerodrome controller yang bertugas di menara kawalan, Rohaya Jemali, 47, tugasnya agak berbeza dengan pegawai di bilik radar.
"Ini kerana bertugas di menara, kita nampak kelibat pesawat dan mengetahui jarak pandangan dan keadaan persekitaran.
"Justeru itu, saya harus menentukan paras bawahan yang boleh digunakan serta membuat jangkaan masa pesawat-pesawat dibenarkan mendarat dan memulakan tindakan mencari ke atas pesawat-pesawat yang terlewat dari jangkaan.
"Misalnya, pesawat latihan yang dijadual tidak tiba atau tidak mengikut arahan. Bahkan kami juga akan menyampaikan maklumat-maklumat kajicuaca yang difikirkan perlu kepada semua pesawat di udara di dalam ruang angkasa di bawah bidang kuasa.
"Kami juga akan meneropong pesawat yang menghadapi masalah seperti masalah teknikal, tayar tidak turun, kehabisan minyak dan lain-lain. Sebaik sahaja pesawat mendarat, pihak bomba, harus dipanggil dan jika ada orang sakit di dalamnya, ambulans akan dikerah datang,'' katanya yang telah hampir 13 tahun bekerja di menara kawalan.

Interesting right..........