Air Traffic Controller Scout Interest Badge

Air traffic controllers help keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently, both on the ground and in the air. In the Air Traffic Controller Scout Interest Badge you'll discover how airports operate, learn the language of aviation, practise giving clear radio instructions, explore how controllers’ separate aircraft, and take part in realistic ATC role-play. If you've ever wondered what happens inside the control tower, this badge offers an exciting introduction to one of aviation's most responsible and rewarding careers.

Badge Requirements

Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft Badges and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
- Aviation Skills Scoutcraft Badge
- Air Planner Scoutcraft Badge]
Inside the Air Traffic Control System
After visiting an airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility, or virtual air traffic control operation, describe the purpose of the different air traffic services and describe how they work together to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air. Include the following:
- Apron Management
- Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC)
- Approach Control (APP)
- Area Control (ACC)
- Flight Information Service (FIS)
- Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS)
Tools of the Controller
Identify and demonstrate the purpose of at least five pieces of equipment commonly used in a modern air traffic control tower by explaining how each contributes to the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. For example:
- Flight progress strips (paper or electronic)
- VHF/UHF radios
- Radar displays
- ADS-B systems
- Light signal gun
- Airfield lighting control panels
- Weather information systems (e.g. AWOS or ATIS)
- Crash alarm
Aviation Communication Basics
Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and confidently using standard aviation radio procedures by:
- Reciting the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) phonetic alphabet.
- Explaining the purpose of the radio readability scale (1–5).
- Demonstrating the correct use of standard aviation radio phraseology in basic transmissions by onducting a short, scripted radio exchange the examiner using the ICAO phonetic alphabet and standard phraseology.
Emergency Communications
Explain the purpose and meaning of the internationally recognised emergency radio calls used in aviation, and give two examples of situations in which each would be used:
- MAYDAY (distress)
- PAN-PAN (urgency)
Alternative Communication & Light signals
Explain alternative forms of communication between ATC and aircraft, including the six different light signals for aircraft on the ground or in-flight.
Guiding Aircraft on the Ground
Demonstrate the standard ICAO aircraft marshalling signals used to guide aircraft safely on the ground by:
- Using hand signals during the day.
- Using illuminated wands (or suitable substitutes) at night.
Note: This requirement is intended to demonstrate an understanding of aircraft marshalling techniques only. Scouts are not expected to marshal live aircraft.
Know Your Airfield
Draw a clearly labelled diagram of an aerodrome to show how its layout supports the safe movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air. Include the following:
- The runway, including its day and night markings.
- Taxiways and holding points.
- The circuit pattern, showing upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final legs.
- The windsock position and the normal landing direction relative to the wind.
- The overshoot and undershoot areas.
Finding Your Way with Radio Navigation
Air traffic controllers and pilots use radio navigation aids to help aircraft navigate safely and accurately. Identify three local radio navigation beacons and state for each:
- Its Morse code identifier.
- Its radio frequency.
Managing Flight Levels
Describe how air traffic controllers use altitudes and flight levels to keep aircraft safely separated as they climb, cruise, and descend. Describe the following:
- Why aircraft are required to fly at assigned flight levels.
- The difference between altitude and flight level, and how QNH, QFE, and standard pressure are used.
- Explain the purpose of the transition between flying using altitude and flying using flight levels.
Keeping Aircraft Safely Apart
Describe how air traffic controllers maintain safe separation between aircraft to prevent collisions and ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. Include the following:
- Vertical separation
- Lateral separation
- Longitudinal separation
- How wake turbulence affects the separation required between aircraft
Managing the Queue
Air traffic controllers must make safe decisions to ensure aircraft arrive and depart in the correct order while maintaining safe separation. Using a practical scenario, describe:
- The ICAO right-of-way rules that determine which aircraft has priority, in the air and on the ground.
- The priority order for aircraft taking off and landing at an aerodrome.
- How air traffic controllers sequence aircraft to maintain a safe and efficient flow of traffic.
Finding Your Bearing
Air traffic controllers and pilots use radio bearings to help determine an aircraft's direction relative to a navigation beacon. Using a simple labelled diagram, demonstrate the difference between:
- QDM – the magnetic bearing to the navigation station.
- QDR – the magnetic bearing from the navigation station.
Flying by the Rules
Different weather conditions and airspace require pilots to operate under different flight rules. Describe the purpose of each set of flight rules and explain when each would normally be used:
- Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
- Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR)
- Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
Take Control of the Circuit (ATC Role Play)
Working with the examiner, who will act as the pilot, demonstrate how an air traffic controller safely manages an aircraft throughout a complete aerodrome circuit. Use the correct aviation radio phraseology to provide instructions for:
- Engine start-up.
- Taxi clearance.
- Take-off clearance.
- The circuit pattern (upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final).
- Landing clearance.
- Taxi to the parking area and engine shutdown.

Recommended Age Range: The Air Traffic Controller Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. The badge builds on the Aviation Skills and Air Planner Scoutcraft Badges and introduces more advanced aviation communication, navigation, and airfield operations. At this age, Scouts are well suited to developing the situational awareness, communication skills, and confidence needed for realistic air traffic control simulations while exploring a potential aviation career.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal Examiner should be an experienced air traffic controller, licensed pilot, aviation instructor, air traffic services professional, airport operations specialist, or experienced Adult Leader with suitable aviation knowledge and practical experience. The Examiner should assess the Scout's practical understanding, communication skills, application of aviation procedures, and ability to safely manage realistic air traffic control scenarios rather than testing professional-level technical knowledge.

Note to the Examiner:

This is a Scout Interest Badge intended to introduce Scouts to the fundamentals of air traffic control, safe operating procedures, and the role of air traffic services in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. It is not intended to assess the knowledge or competency of a trainee or licensed air traffic controller.
Assessment should focus on the Scout's practical understanding, safe procedures, and correct application of basic aviation concepts, rather than detailed technical knowledge.
Wherever possible, encourage hands-on learning through airport visits, virtual tours, practical demonstrations, role-play, aviation simulators, or model aircraft rather than classroom-style instruction alone.
The airport or air traffic control facility visit may be completed in person (preferably) or virtually where access to an ATC operational facility is not possible.
During the aircraft marshalling requirement, Scouts should demonstrate standard ICAO marshalling signals only. They must not marshal live aircraft unless participating in an authorised aviation activity under the direct supervision of suitably qualified personnel.
For the radio communication and ATC role-play requirements, place emphasis on clear communication, correct use of standard aviation phraseology, confidence, and situational awareness, rather than perfect technical accuracy.
The aerodrome, navigation, separation, and flight level requirements should demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and their practical application. Scouts are not expected to memorise detailed aviation regulations or perform professional-level calculations.
During the ATC role-play exercise, present a realistic but straightforward scenario that allows the Scout to demonstrate the safe management of an aircraft from engine start-up to shutdown using appropriate radio phraseology. Minor errors that do not compromise safety or demonstrate a lack of understanding should not necessarily result in failure.
Encourage discussion throughout the assessment and allow Scouts to explain their reasoning, as this often demonstrates a deeper understanding than simple recall of facts.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Air Traffic Controller (PDF)

What You Need First

The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Last Update

July 2026

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