Scilly job advert

To be an air traffic controller you need many talents, including quick decision-making skills, calmness under pressure and – crucially – good eyesight.

But at one airport with a vacancy, application forms are being offered in Braille – despite stating the job r­equires 20/20 vision. St Mary's airport, on the Isles of Scilly, says it must include the small print for its equality policy.


'It is just common sense that you would not employ an air traffic controller who is blind or partially sighted,' said one aviation insider. 'It's just one of those things they have got to put on forms. It's got to go on everything these days, whether it's relevant or not.'

All air traffic controllers have to meet international standards and pass a medical, including a stringent eye test.

'They would have to meet the same requirement as an airline ­pilot,' a Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said. 'They would need good 20/20 vision.'

The new post touts a salary of up to £36,000 for the right candidate. Yet, at the bottom it adds: 'If you require this in larger text, Braille, or in audio format, contact the community relations officer.'

'The islands are always at the cutting edge of innovation,' said Radio Scilly controller Keri Jones. 'So it would certainly be something to have the world's first blind air traffic controller.'