INTERVIEW WITH HELENA DÍAZ, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER, ON THE OCCASION OF WOMEN'S DAY

Madrid, March 7^th, 2025

In the world of air traffic control, precision, decision-making under pressure and teamwork are essential. However, there is another challenge that has accompanied many professionals over the years: gender equality in a traditionally male sector. In this interview we talk to Helena Díaz, an experienced air traffic controller who has dedicated her life to this profession. An inspiring conversation that seeks not only to make visible the evolution of women in air traffic control, but also to motivate future generations to dare to take the next step into this exciting profession.

Helena began her career in the world of air traffic control in 1982. During her career, she worked as an air traffic controller in different destinations (Barcelona, Zaragoza, Alicante and Madrid) and has worked in all ratings (tower, approach and area) where she also held the positions of tower chief, instructor chief and supervisor.

Although she left active service in 2020, her passion for air traffic control does not allow her to leave the world of aviation. She is still involved in the sector as an instructor at the School of Air Traffic Control and as a trainer in various international SENASA projects.

Since SENASA started offering training in air traffic control in 1995, the presence of women in this sector has remained constant, representing a third of it. Despite the immobility of this figure, have you noticed a different situation in the evolution of women in air traffic control from when you started until now? What differences would you highlight from the early years until now?

Without a doubt, the situation has changed a lot. Before, being a woman in air traffic control meant facing inappropriate comments on a frequent basis. It was common that, when hearing a female voice on frequency, some pilots would make jokes or comments out of place. They did not take us seriously, they questioned our professionalism. Nowadays the sector is much more professionalised and these situations no longer occur.

Have you ever felt that being a woman has been an additional challenge in your career as an air traffic controller? Do you think there are still barriers or prejudices for women in the air traffic control industry?

Yes, there certainly are. Throughout my career I have felt that, as a woman, I had to constantly prove that I was better than my colleagues to earn the same respect. We have always had to stand out to avoid being looked down upon because we have not been seen as equals. This is not fair because we are as professional as anyone else and there should be no difference in treatment.

Fortunately, the situation has improved in recent years. Today, these prejudices have diminished, and it is now easier to be recognised as an equal.

As an air traffic controller who has gone through different ranks within the profession, from chief instructor, to tower chief, to supervisor, what has most influenced your evolution?

My professional evolution has been marked, above all, by discipline and commitment to doing my job well. If I have to do something, I do it, whether I like it or not. I don't question the task, I simply strive to do it in the best possible way.

The environment also plays a key role. A good leader can make a difference in the dynamics of a team, fostering communication and making the work flow efficiently. In my experience as a supervisor, I learned that the key is the ability to anticipate. It is essential to foresee possible breakdowns in traffic flows, make strategic decisions to optimise routes and manage the workload.

What changes do you think should be implemented to further advance equality in the field of air traffic control?

I think that the situation could be improved for everyone working in the sector by promoting actions in favour of work-life balance and shift flexibility. It would be essential to increase the number of staff in air traffic control. The lack of staff not only increases the workload but also makes it difficult to change shifts. Achieving a better work-life balance would improve the quality of life of all staff.

What skills or abilities do you think people who want to work in air traffic control should develop?

One of the most important would be spatial vision. In air traffic control, you need to be able to measure distances, speeds and trajectories accurately.

It is also essential to be able to react quickly. In critical situations, you have to make immediate decisions. The first indication you give may not be optimal, but the important thing is to react and find a solution within seconds.

Teamwork is another key pillar. Adapting to the dynamics of the group is fundamental, as the people you work with will be your daily support over the years. It is not about standing out individually, but about collaborating and coordinating effectively.

Finally, there is stress management. As an air traffic controller, you must be able to remain calm under pressure. But if at any point you do get blocked, it is essential to be humble, recognise it and ask to be relieved. There is nothing wrong with that and managing it is also part of the job.

What would you say to girls and women who are thinking of going into aviation?

I would tell them to take the plunge, that it is worthwhile and that they should take the plunge. Air traffic control is a completely vocational profession: if they are passionate about it, they will love it. There are no barriers that cannot be overcome and the satisfaction of doing this job is enormous. If they are really interested, don't hesitate to give it a try. They won't regret it.

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