Information on training to become an air traffic controller

You control and monitor aircraft in the air and on the ground, ensuring the safety of air traffic in the skies over Germany. There are two basic types of air traffic controllers: tower controllers and area/approach controllers. A tower controller ensures safety in the vicinity of airports by directing aircraft taking off and landing with direct visual contact. An area/approach controller uses sophisticated radar technology to ensure that everything runs smoothly in their airspace. An exciting profession – get an overview of the job here:

In addition to the content on our career website, we also offer many events to keep you informed. Our online taster days, for example, offer you a good insight into the job of an air traffic controller. We also regularly attend career fairs for school leavers throughout Germany. In addition, it is possible to visit some of our branches. Once a year, we welcome many visitors to our DFS Recruiting Day at our Campus in Langen. Just take a look at our calendar to see when and where you can meet us. We are looking forward to meeting you in person.

Unfortunately, we do not offer work placements for school pupils for the job of an air traffic controller. We do, however, offer many other opportunities to gain an insight into the work and the training. This covers online taster days to career fairs and the Recruiting Day. Just take a look at our events page and register for free:

That is a question you have to answer for yourself at the end of the day. You need to be realistic and honest about your suitability for the job. In the following, we would like to give you a few tips on what is important about becoming an air traffic controller. You need the distinct ability to think in terms of three dimensions. You need strong nerves. You need a real sense of responsibility. If you can also memorise things very easily, are good with numbers and have an excellent command of English, this represents a good start. There is more, of course. You can see the complete list of requirements in the job profile:

It starts with a good training allowance and the chance to take on responsibility from the very beginning. These are just some of the reasons why it's a good career decision. It also offers a nice mix of theory and practice. Find out here what else makes training to become an air traffic controller so special and why we offer you the perfect career start even after completing your studies:

Working as an air traffic controller carries a lot of responsibility and the salary that DFS pays reflects this. During your basic training at the Air Navigation Services Academy, you will already receive an attractive training allowance (this applies to all trainees across all DFS training programmes by the way). This currently amounts to €1,450 per month. In addition, there is a housing benefit of €400 per month.

In the course of the on-the-job training (from the 16th month), the salary increases with the progress of the training. A collective bargaining agreement lays out the amount you will receive based on the work you are doing and where you are working. Your salary is then regularly adjusted to reflect any changes in collective agreements. It currently stands at around €5,000 per month. You earn more because of the shift work and the work on Sundays and public holidays.

You can only apply online to train as an air traffic controller. We are happy to assist and advise you if you need help. If you are ready to take the next step with us, you are just one click away from applying for air traffic controller training:

There is no application deadline. You can apply for the air traffic controller training programme at any time. Our courses start several times a year. 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.
What are you waiting for?

Simply send us your CV, an optional cover letter and an official copy of your university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate). 

If you do not have a university entrance qualification yet, you can submit your academic records from the previous two terms/years and hand in the document later. 
Applicants who are presently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme should submit their academic records (transcripts) from their university as well. 
If you have already completed your bachelor's degree, simply send us your degree certificate. 
If available, you can also add proof of further training or employment, voluntary work and certificates of language courses you have earned along the way to your application documents. For foreign applicants, a few additional requirements must be met.

There is a multi-step selection process where we will really put you to the test. You will have to fill in a questionnaire about your life and undergo up to two days of computer tests and intensive interviews at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Hamburg. You should schedule several days for this. At the end of the selection process, you will undergo an aviation medical examination to assess your medical fitness. Step by step, you will be getting closer to your dream job.

A good start is half the battle. We will give you all the information you need in advance to prepare thoroughly. We would advise against going to commercial preparatory courses. Your command of English is an area you can easily work on, though.

All those who have successfully completed such a process are welcome to apply. However, if you failed such an aptitude test or had to drop out of your ab-initio air traffic controller training, we cannot consider your application.

No. To train as an air traffic controller, you need at least the equivalent of the German Abitur (general university entrance qualification). However, you can also apply to become an air traffic controller with a combination of a Fachabitur and a bachelor's degree. For our other training programmes, a Fachabitur is enough, however. Find out here what other exciting careers we can offer you:

Unfortunately, this is not possible for air traffic controller training. You only have one chance to apply. However, you still have the opportunity to apply for one of our other apprenticeships/traineeships. It could well be that your talents lie elsewhere:

The location where you will be posted to will depend on both where people are needed and on your performance. DFS will decide at which site you will work at after you complete your training. You will be informed in good time where you are going to be posted later so you can organise everything. You can find out more about the possible sites here:

The training to become an air traffic controller at DFS is carried out according to international guidelines. Nevertheless, there can be large variations in the recruitment requirements from country to country, which can make working abroad difficult. The company, however, is involved in many international projects which may require you to travel abroad.

If you have the potential and the ambition, you can move on from the position of air traffic controller in a control centre or tower. You will need to work on ironing out your weaknesses and improving your strengths to avail of such opportunities. As a supervisor, or so-called chief of section, you carry the responsibility for managing individual airspaces or several teams. You can also pass on your expertise to the next generation as a teacher or instructor, work as an examiner, develop procedures and regulations for technical systems or contribute your knowledge to international projects.

A clear no is the answer. It has not been that way for a long time. We attach great importance to equal rights. Equal rights is a core value at DFS: everyone undergoes the same training, has the same promotion prospects and, of course, is paid the same. Seize this opportunity and become part of our close-knit team:

Compared to traditional air traffic controller training, the dual course of studies expands your knowledge of business management topics in the aviation industry and also allows you to build up a broad professional network. You will also obtain two qualifications in a very short time: an air traffic controller licence and a bachelor's degree in air traffic management. Find out more about the dual course of studies for air traffic controllers here:

You can only apply for the dual course of studies in air traffic management online in our applicant portal. The programme starts twice a year. DFS students start their university phase at the Worms University of Applied Sciences in the summer and winter semesters (1 March and 1 October of each year). You can apply to us at any time, but please note that the application deadline for the next summer or winter semester is in January and August, respectively. We look forward to receiving your application.

You will need to submit a cover letter, which should also include the earliest date you can start, and a CV in the tabular form commonly used in Germany. Please also include a letter of motivation explaining your reasons for choosing the dual course of studies.

If you do not have a university entrance qualification yet, you can submit your academic records from the previous two terms/years and hand in the document later. 
Applicants who are presently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme should submit their academic records (transcripts) from their university as well. 
If you have already completed your bachelor's degree, simply send us your degree certificate. 
If available, you can also add proof of further training or employment, voluntary work and certificates of language courses to your application documents you have earned along the way. For foreign applicants, a few additional requirements must be met.

The selection process for the air traffic management dual course of studies is similar to the process for the air traffic controller training programme. After the end of the regular selection process, an interview at DFS and a selection by Worms University of Applied Sciences finalises the selection process for our prospective dual students. You will already have secured your training contract as an air traffic controller after completing the regular selection process. Find out more here:

DFS will bear all relevant tuition fees.

No. At least a university entrance level qualification (Abitur) is required for the air traffic management degree programme. For our dual course of studies in air navigation services engineering, information technology and aviation (Luftverkehrsmanagement), a Fachabitur is enough, however.

Unfortunately, this is not possible for the dual course of studies in air traffic management. You only have one chance to apply. However, you still have the opportunity to apply for one of our other dual degree programmes. It could well be that your talents lie elsewhere: