Train to become an air traffic controller – who dares, wins!
The training to become an air traffic controller at Skyguide takes about 30 months. Find out whether you have what it takes to become one!
- October 08, 2024
- 3 Min. reading time
- Sponsored by: Skyguide
There are several important skills that you need to become an air traffic controller, including logical thinking, multitasking, responsibility, reliability and resilience. Before the training course starts, applicants undergo a selection process so that Skyguide can make sure that they meet the requirements for the job. Do you have what it takes to become an air traffic controller? Why not find out?
The good thing is that Skyguide evaluates applicants’ personalities. But there are some things you can do to make sure that you’re ready for the test day and in top form.
Good for the brain
Studies have shown that taking regular exercise can boost your brain power. A good supply of blood throughout the body also benefits the brain. In addition, eating a healthy diet is good not only for your body, but also for your brain cells.
Relax before the test
What about the day of the test itself? These tips will help you to feel calm and confident about taking the test:
- Make sure that you have a relaxed start to the day. Set your alarm early so that you don’t feel stressed.
- Allow enough time for your journey and make sure that you arrive early at the test location.
- Don’t chat to the other candidates before the test. You will just feel more nervous.
- Before the test, do something that makes you feel good. Perhaps a short walk or some breathing exercises.
- The evening before lay out everything you’ll need on the test day. It’s best to wear comfortable clothes.
- When you’ve finished the test, reward yourself with a treat!
The next steps
The first year of training to become an air traffic controller takes place at the Skyguide Academy in Wangen near Dübendorf. This part of the course consists of two phases. In the basic training, you will learn about aerodynamics, aircraft technology, meteorology, air navigation services technology, navigation, the Aeronautical Information Service, aviation law etc. You will also train for different deployments, including the tower, the area control centres and the air defence and direction centre, using realistic basic simulators. In the rating training, the focus is on further developing your theoretical knowledge and your simulator skills in a specific area. During the second year of training, the prospective air traffic controllers are already working at their future deployment location (unit training).
Pay and accommodation
The air traffic controller course is free of charge for participants and they receive a salary during the training. Free accommodation is also available for students who live more than an hour's journey by public transport away from Wangen near Dübendorf (the number of places is limited).
Apply now!
If you are interested, you should apply in good time for the training course for air traffic controllers. Places on the course are popular and the steps you have to take beforehand are time-consuming. Anyone who is a maximum of 28 years old when the next course starts can apply.
The FEAST 1 test is held several times a month in Wangen near Dübendorf and in Geneva. You can now also take the test in Bern and Chur. After we receive your application, we will send you a link for registration.
Who dares, wins! – Skyguide is looking forward to meeting you!
What does an air traffic controller do? Watch this video to find out more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oawclINCMSc
You can also find more information here: www.skyguide.ch/future
Starting work and your job at Skyguide
Find out about our vacancies and our interesting internships: www.skyguide.ch/vacancies.
Would you like to know more? Please feel free to contact us:
work@skyguide.ch
Here you will find the Skyguide YouTube channel, which has a lot of entertaining and informative videos: https://www.youtube.com/@skyguideTV
The Skyguide Academy
The Skyguide Academy is a professional college with ultra-modern equipment and simulator systems for face-to-face and remote training, including 360° tower simulators. The instructors have many years of practical experience and teaching experience in an international setting. In 2008, the Skyguide Academy was certified as an Air Navigation Service Training Provider according to European standards and it also trains employees for other air navigation services.
For more information:
