Your leap into job heaven

Air traffic controller training

As an air traffic controller, you guide thousands of passengers safely to their destinations every day, working hand in hand with pilots. Although pilots ultimately control aircraft, clear instructions as to heading and level determine when and where they fly.

Would you like to take on this responsibility? We can ensure your career takes off. Join our close-knit team and work with us to ensure air traffic runs smoothly in and over Germany.

Ensure safety in the skies over Germany

The air traffic controller training programme starts several times a year. This means you can apply to us at any time. Ideally, you should apply 1 year before you want to start with the training. In most cases, if you are available earlier, you can start earlier.

Your air traffic controller training at a glance

  • Duration

    2.5-3.5 years

  • Remuneration

    Theoretical part:
    €1,450 per month. 

    Practical part:
    approx. €5,000 per month

  • Theory training

    Air Navigation Services Academy in Langen

  • Practical training

    Control centre or tower in Germany

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Ensure safe air travel

As an air traffic controller, you are responsible for the safety of people in the skies on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. You ensure that aircraft take off and land safely and have sufficient separation from each other in the air. During your training, you will learn everything you need to do this job in a close-knit and appreciative team. Find out more about the rewarding and fascinating work of an air traffic controller and your opportunities at our company at one of our online taster days:

Your sky-high benefits

  • Assistance in finding accommodation

    plus €400 housing allowance

  • Subsidised Deutschland-Ticket

    for an environmentally friendly travel

  • Gym

    at many sites

  • Company-sponsored sports club (Betriebssport-verein)

    with numerous sports, including wakeboarding, dragon boating and football

  • Barbecue area, table tennis, table football, pool table and football pitch

    at the Campus in Langen

  • LANGEN

    Good accessibility with public transport

    with dedicated S-Bahn commuter rail station

  • Regular paid multi-week recuperation cures

    so our operational staff can recharge

  • Flexible shift system

    early notification and shift swapping available

  • Childcare

    at many sites

  • Secure prospects

    for your entire professional life

  • Further training

    large internal and external portfolio of courses

  • Modern tablet

    own tablet to learn independent of time/location

  • Training time budgets

    for continuous professional development

  • Attractive salary package

    with 13.1 salaries including holiday bonus and Christmas bonus

  • Personalised support from the training team

    known contact person for questions or problems

  • Joint events for all trainees/apprentices at DFS

    so everyone feels at home right from the start

  • 32 days holiday leave

    plus Christmas and New Year's Eve off

  • Instructors with practical experience

    to learn what really matters at work

  • Start doing practical exercises in the simulator after just five months

    to immediately put into practice what you have learnt in the classroom

  • Comprehensive onboarding programme

    because we know that a good start is important

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Two paths to your air traffic controller licence

Training programme

Completing a training programme is the classic way for you to become an air traffic controller. It all starts with theoretical and simulator training at our Campus in Langen. The second, practical phase takes you directly to your future working position in a control centre or tower. This is where you can acquire your air traffic controller licences step by step. Once you have completed all of them, the training ends and you will be taken on as a fully-fledged air traffic controller.

Dual course of studies

With the dual air traffic controller degree programme, you can secure two qualifications in one. You can combine air traffic controller training with an English-language bachelor's degree programme in air traffic management. This means even better career prospects in your future. You do not have to decide between the training programme and the dual course of studies when you apply as the selection process is the same initially. This way you can still select this option later.

Fascinating insights into your future job

The day-to-day job

What is a typical working day like for an air traffic controller? What does a controller do in a control centre or in a control tower? Find out more here:

WebGames

Do you have what it takes to become an air traffic controller? You can test yourself in short games that are very close to the real work of air traffic controllers. Test your skills now:

FAQ

Any questions? You are sure to find the answers in our detailed FAQs:

Taster day

Hungry for more details? Then drop by, or take part online, and experience the work first hand. We will show you everything you need to know at the taster day. Register now:

Peek behind the scenes into the world of air traffic controllers

What we are looking for

Your job as an air traffic controller impacts the safety of millions of people. That is why it is important that you can stay on top of stressful situations and make decisions instantly. Other requirements include:

School-leaving certificate

General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or bachelor's degree 

Languages

Confident and fluent in English and German 

Personal characteristics

Not older than 24,
very good hearing and eyesight

Ready to take off?

Documents you need to submit

  • CV: What have you done so far?

  • Letters of reference / transcripts: Please send us your university entrance qualification or your last two to four school transcripts/reports.

  • Motivation letter (optional): Why would you like to work for us?

How the selection process works

  • Step 1: Online selection stage

  • Step 2: Pre-selection process in Hamburg

  • Step 3: Selection process in Hamburg

  • Step 4: Test of medical fitness

Do you have questions about air traffic controller training?

Then, please get in touch with:

Applicant management team
+49 (0)6103 707-5155
lotsenausbildung@dfs.de

WhatsApp: 0162 254 1843