Pilots file their flight plans with Station Controllers who conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, and other flight safety information. Controllers in all three specialties use radio, teletype, inter-telephone, and other electronic equipment to monitor and contact aircraft. Working Conditions Airport Tower Controllers may work in either the glass-walled room at the top of the tower or in the radar room below. Airport Towers, En Route Centers, and Flight Service Stations are usually fully air-conditioned. Rooms in Flight Centers are large and dimly lit for proper viewing of the many screens arranged in tiers and rows.
Controllers are often responsible for several aircraft simultaneously.
The number of craft varies with size of airport, time of day and weather. Controllers must be able to work under extreme pressure, often without a break, for up to four hours at a stretch. They must be able to conceptualize the whole traffic picture, to establish priorities, and to think clearly in emergencies. They must have automatic recall and be able to listen to more than one pilot at a time. The pace is often hurried and controllers must make quick and accurate decisions.