Danél Esterhuysen
Whoever thought dynamite comes in small packages must have had Meghan McDonald in mind.
With a somewhat other than usual career choice, this young air traffic controller knows exactly what she wants in life, but more importantly, knows how to achieve her goals.
McDonald works as an air traffic controller (ATC) at Polokwane Tower for the national Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS). ATC is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft both on the ground and in the air. McDonald’s main purpose is to separate aircraft in order to prevent collisions and to provide information and support to pilots where necessary. "At ATNS, we strive to provide a safe, orderly, expeditious and efficient flow of air traffic within our airspace. I control aircraft landing at and departing from Polokwane International Airport as well as aircraft flying through my airspace. I also provide information to aircraft operating at Pietersburg Civil Airport, as the two airports are quite close to each other," she explains.
ATC is widely known as one of the most stressful careers in the world, as portrayed in the 1999 movie Pushing Tin. Selection as an ATC is an intricate process, and after meeting the requirements during the psychometric tests and interviews, one is accepted as a bursar for training. The training takes place at the Aviation Training Academy (ATA) at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and is quite intensive. There are both practical and theory stages, studying to work as an Air Traffic Service Assistant (ATSA) before moving on to the ATC Tower courses and finally validating your license as an ATC. According to McDonald the course requires plenty of dedication and hard work, but is immensely rewarding.
But what inspires a young woman to choose ATC as a career? "I have always loved anything to do with aviation. I am a competitive individual who enjoys a challenge. The work can be demanding but in turn can also be extremely rewarding." She says that Air Traffic Control was a suggestion made by her father and after doing some research she became hooked.
Being a woman has not set McDonald back in any sense and she is confident that everyone has equal opportunities and all are required to meet the same high standards. "In my experience, I have always received the same treatment as any male," she says.
Growing up in Cape Town, Polokwane was a huge shift for her, but other than missing her family and a few special friends, Polokwane has certainly made its way into her heart. "I have met some special people here, one in particular, who have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. When she is not working she and her partner enjoy long motorcycle rides, cooking, reading and relaxing.
McDonald is excited about the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup with the promise of an increase in air traffic. "I am looking forward to what will hopefully be a busy period at this otherwise reasonably quiet airport. I am very lucky to be in a career that I love, especially since I am still quite young. In future I hope for a possible move to a bigger and a busier station in a few years and perhaps winning the UK lottery. But, these are hurdles I’ll cross when I get there."