Air Traffic Controllers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (9%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 12 (52%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (39%)

• Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about air traffic controllers and AI