ISCO-08 3154
Air traffic controllers
37.3%
ADI · 219th of 433 · 95% interval 22.3–54.5
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 37.3% of the task time of air traffic controllers, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full37.3%
219th of 433 · interval 22.3–54.5
ADI3 · full delegation0.0%
201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0
ADIs · share of time37.0%
208th of 433 · interval 30.9–43.5
Evidence91
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 0.3 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 6.3%L1Augmentation · 56.4%L2Partial delegation · 37.3%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
91 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 2 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.4% | L0 | L1L0 | 10% | 4.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4.5 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 18 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.2% | L1 | L2L1 | 35% | 3 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.Air Traffic Controllers | 4.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 5 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 20 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 2 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 28 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.3% | L2 | L2L3 | 70% | 15 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 76 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.Air Traffic Controllers | 3.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.Air Traffic Controllers · supplemental task | 2.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 32 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.Air Traffic Controllers · supplemental task | 2.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 15 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.Air Traffic Controllers | 2.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.Air Traffic Controllers | 2.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.Air Traffic Controllers | 1.9% | L1 | L2L1 | 38% | 2 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.Air Traffic Controllers | 1.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 8 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.Air Traffic Controllers | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 1.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 4.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Monitor the arrival, parking, refueling, loading, and departure of all aircraft.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 4.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Coordinate with agencies to meet aircrew requirements for billeting, messing, refueling, ground transportation, and transient aircraft maintenance.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.1 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Receive, transmit, and control message traffic.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 12 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Use airfield landing and navigational aids and digital data terminal communications equipment to perform duties.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Coordinate communications between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain air-to-ground and point-to-point radio contact with aircraft commanders.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L1L0 | 12% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Coordinate with agencies, such as air traffic control, civil engineers, or command posts, to ensure support of airfield management activities.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 52 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Receive and post weather information and flight plan data, such as air routes or arrival and departure times.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 15 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Relay departure, arrival, delay, aircraft and airfield status, and other pertinent information to upline controlling agencies.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 15 min | Access to systems |
| Provide aircrews with information and services needed for airfield management and flight planning.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 28 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Conduct departure and arrival briefings.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 45% | 25 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain flight and event logs, air crew flying records, and flight operations records of incoming and outgoing flights.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 25 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Post visual display boards and status boards.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 20 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Procure, produce, and provide information on the safe operation of aircraft, such as flight planning publications, operations publications, charts and maps, or weather information.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Train operations staff.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 4.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Plan and coordinate airfield construction.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 22 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Collaborate with others to plan flight schedules and air crew assignments.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.3 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.Airfield Operations Specialists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Anticipate aircraft equipment needs for air evacuation and cargo flights.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 1.1 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Coordinate changes to flight itineraries with appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC) agencies.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 25 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Check military flight plans with civilian agencies.Airfield Operations Specialists · supplemental task | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Enforce safety rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 25 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Resolve worker problems or collaborate with employees to assist in problem resolution.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 25 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation, operations or production goals.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Review orders, production schedules, blueprints, or shipping or receiving notices to determine work sequences and material shipping dates, types, volumes, or destinations.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Drive vehicles or operate machines or equipment to complete work assignments or to assist workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Interpret transportation or tariff regulations, shipping orders, safety regulations, or company policies and procedures for workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 32 min | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Examine, measure, or weigh cargo or materials to determine specific handling requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor field work to ensure proper performance and use of materials.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain or verify records of time, materials, expenditures, or crew activities.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect or test materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Dispatch personnel and vehicles in response to telephone or radio reports of emergencies.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 8 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, personnel, or storage requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Plan and establish schedules.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Assist workers in tasks, such as loading vehicles.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L0 | L0L2 | 19% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Direct workers in transportation or related services, such as pumping, moving, storing, or loading or unloading of materials.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Requisition needed personnel, supplies, equipment, parts, or repair services.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Perform or schedule repairs or preventive maintenance of vehicles or other equipment.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare, compile, and submit reports on work activities, operations, production, or work-related accidents.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, equipment performance, work methods, or customer services.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 3.3 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Recommend or implement personnel actions, such as employee selection, evaluation, rewards, or disciplinary actions.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Observe and evaluate workers' appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Take disciplinary action to address performance problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 35 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Requisition necessary supplies, equipment, or services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Recruit and hire staff members.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 6.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, work methods, or customer services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 3.5 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 50% | 1.8 h | – |
| Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 25 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 52 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Inspect work areas or operating equipment to ensure conformance to established standards in areas such as cleanliness or maintenance.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 35 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 30 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Enforce safety rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Direct or coordinate the activities of workers, such as flight or car attendants.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, or personnel requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.0 h | Access to systems |
| Apply customer feedback to service improvement efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Analyze and record personnel or operational data and write related activity reports.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.5 h | Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 37.3% | 50 |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.34 | 52 |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | 0.946 | 75 |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 28.809 | 20 |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.14 | 45 |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.007 | 38 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (31)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Process control technicians not elsewhere classified 3139 | 91.1 | |
| Draughtspersons 3118 | 82.3 | |
| Mining supervisors 3121 | 71.6 | |
| Construction supervisors 3123 | 71.6 | |
| Chemical and physical science technicians 3111 | 69.7 | |
| Electronics engineering technicians 3114 | 60.2 | |
| Civil engineering technicians 3112 | 57.6 | |
| Manufacturing supervisors 3122 | 56.5 | |
| Air traffic safety electronics technicians 3155 | 54.7 | |
| Mining and metallurgical technicians 3117 | 51.5 | |
| Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified 3119 | 51.1 | |
| Mechanical engineering technicians 3115 | 50.0 |
Dashed line: air traffic controllers (37.3%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Air traffic controllers (ISCO-08 3154), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3154
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Air traffic controllers (ISCO-08 3154)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3154.json.