From theater to air traffic controller

When Jan Magne finished high school, he wanted to pursue a theater education. An advertisement for air traffic controller training at Avinor Flysikring changed his career plans. Now the 29-year-old works as an air traffic controller in the tower at Stavanger Airport, Sola, and he hasn't regretted it for a second.

We meet air traffic controller Jan Magne Steine in the tower at Stavanger Airport, Sola on a sunny Friday in November. In the background, we hear a fellow air traffic controller give clearance to a KLM aircraft heading to Amsterdam. -KLM 1200, cleared for take-off on runway 18. The clearance from the air traffic controller is given in a calm, clear, and reassuring manner, entirely by the book. Shortly after, a NATO military aircraft is spotted on the horizon, performing training rounds, so-called touch and go. This happens simultaneously as helicopter traffic to the oil platforms in the North Sea takes off and lands at the airport's second runway. In other words, just another normal day at the airport in Norway's oil capital.

- The fact that we have active traffic on two runways that cross each other here at Sola Airport (also known as simultaneous operations in technical terms) is quite special in the Norwegian context. It means that we have to be extra focused while making the workday varied and interesting. Here, I get to use the entire range of skills that I trained for during my education, Jan Magne explains.

The air traffic controller profession was not his childhood dream

When the career path was being charted, being an air traffic controller was not originally at the top of the list of educations he considered.

- I had initially planned a career in theater and was auditioning for the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in England. When I didn't get into that school, I tried a few different things before I happened to see an advertisement for the air traffic controller training at Avinor Flysikring. Then I just had to "jump in" and apply, even though I was prepared for the fact that the acceptance rate was tight. The worst that could happen was that I got a "no," so there was nothing to lose by applying, Jan Magne says.

No day is the same for the conductors of the sky

After the first year of air traffic controller training, Jan Magne began the mandatory training at an operational unit before he could be called a certified air traffic controller. The training period lasted just over a year and is also known as "on the job training." He completed his service at Tromsø Airport, Langnes, where he worked for two and a half years. After that, Jan Magne got a job as an air traffic controller at Alta Airport before he set course for Stavanger Airport, Sola, where he now works. - What is great about the air traffic controller profession is that you have the opportunity to work in different places. Professionally, this has given me valuable experience, for example, from Northern Norway, where weather conditions can change quickly. This means that you have to quickly adjust the plans you made earlier in the day. The good thing is that during the educational process you receive thorough training, so you know how to handle different situations, reflects Jan Magne.

Together to Solve an Important Societal Mission

According to Jan Magne, the air traffic controller profession leads to being closely knit and secure with your colleagues. This comes in handy when ensuring that thousands of passengers arrive safely every day, around the clock. - Some of my best friends are in the air traffic controller profession. What is great is that we are many different types of people working as air traffic controllers, and there is therefore room to be yourself.

- Since the air traffic controller profession involves carrying out an important societal mission, we must be prepared to work shifts. This includes working some evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Having said that, I think this is a very reasonable arrangement because, overall, we get at least as much time off as other professions. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand for a vacation with good colleagues outside of peak season. At the same time, I have the opportunity to pursue my theater hobby alongside my air traffic controller job. One thing I didn't consider before I applied for air traffic controller training, but which I appreciate today, is that you don't have to take the job home with you after you finish for the day, says Jan Magne.

When asked about what advice he would give to potential new colleagues considering applying for air traffic controller training, Jan Magne replies bluntly:

“Go for it – there is nothing to fear!”