Careers

What do air traffic controllers do?

As an air traffic controller, you are responsible for the safe and efficient handling of approach and departure traffic on the ground and in the defined airspace at the German regional airports served by DFS Aviation Services GmbH. Every year, our air traffic controllers at the towers on our sites control more than 250,000 aircraft movements. Day and night, our air traffic controllers are on duty to provide pilots with the necessary instructions to ensure that aircraft land, depart and move on the ground at a safe distance from each other.

As an air traffic controller at one of our regional airports, you will be in close contact at all times with aircraft pilots, ground personnel and air traffic controllers from the neighbouring area control centres, as well as with flight schools, the fire service and the police. In addition, our air traffic controllers are responsible for providing the aviation weather observation service and any contractually agreed additional services for the airport operator. They also implement the company’s safety, quality and hazard prevention management system and take on other exciting additional tasks.

Feel free to apply on your own initiative until 31.03.2025 for our next training starts in Autumn 2025.

Requirements

Minimum 18 years & second-level education

German & English skills

An interest in aviation

Medical requirements

The selection process

  • 1. Write an application

    In order for us to consider you for the next selection process, please send us your complete application documents by 31 August 2024 at the latest.

  • 2. Test procedure

    If you meet the entry requirements, you will be invited to take our qualified selection test, FEAST (First European Air Traffic Controller Test). FEAST is a series of computer tests specially compiled for the selection of air traffic controllers and is used by a large number of international air navigation service providers to select suitable candidates. The test is held over one day at our premises in Langen, and is divided into two sections. The sections follow on from each other. Participation in the second part requires the successful completion of part 1.

  • 3. Interview

    After you have successfully completed the test procedure, we will invite you to an interview to get to know you in person. The interview will take place with a representative from Human Resources and the heads of the Operations and Training & Proficiency divisions.

  • 4. Medical fitness and security clearance

    You’ve chosen us and we’ve chosen you! Before the training can start, your medical fitness must now be conclusively determined in accordance with legal requirements. We will also now apply for security clearance together with you. You will undergo the background check provided for in section 7(1) no. 2 of the German Aviation Security Act (“LuftSiG”). This verification is mandatory for air traffic controllers who by the nature of their work have a direct influence on the safety of air traffic.

  • 5. Contract offer

Our international DAS team, with around 400 dedicated employees worldwide, is looking forward to receiving your application!

Apply now
Your path from the start of training to working independently in the tower:

You’ll start your training at an air traffic control academy at home or abroad. Here you’ll spend around 7 months completing the basic theoretical training, which is divided into two parts. On the Basic Course, you’ll learn general theoretical content. After successful completion of the Basic Training, you’ll continue on with the Rating Course. Here you’ll gain the specific knowledge air traffic controllers require to work at a tower.

After you’ve acquired the theoretical basics, you’ll start “On the Job Training” (OJT) at one of our tower locations. Which location you are assigned to in the long term depends on your performance in the basic training (because each location has its own particular challenges), our personnel planning and, of course, your own preference. During the OJT you’ll work under the supervision of licensed instructors. You’ll learn the individual procedures and special features of the airport and also demonstrate your suitability for the job in practice. After successfully passing the exam at the end of OJT, you will be a licensed air traffic controller and will work independently.

More information about our training

More information about the selection process

Not yet decided for this year?
You are also welcome to submit your documents for the next year!

Apply now

FAQ

Feel free to apply on your own initiative until 31.03.2025 for our next training starts in Autumn 2025.

You must have reached the age of 18 by the time you start training. We do not have a maximum age.

Yes, we guarantee it.

We cannot tell you conclusively at the beginning of the training at which of our tower locations you will be deployed in the long term. This decision will be made before the end of the theoretical training. Influencing factors are your performance in the basic training (because each location has its own special challenges), our personnel planning and, of course, your preference.

Our air traffic controllers must be proficient in German and English. German language skills should be at native speaker level. English skills must correspond to the language level C1/C2 of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

During your training, you will receive a basic salary of €1,400 gross per month plus a housing allowance of €400 gross per month, as well as a voluntary additional benefit to compensate for the additional costs incurred if the training location is abroad. As soon as you start working at the tower, you will receive a salary in accordance with the collective agreement.

Apply via our online contact form

Do you have any questions in advance? Our contact person Manuel Stein is looking forward to your message: bewerbung@dfs-as.aero.

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