FAQ - Frequently asked questions about air traffic controller training

Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about air traffic controller training.

Contents

Accommodation
In the first year, training for all students is held at the Training Center in Dübendorf. You are responsible for finding accommodation not too far away. Those responsible for selection in Zurich and Geneva will be pleased to assist you.

Applications
You can apply at any time. Skyguide holds aptitude tests in Geneva and Zurich every month. Apply through the Internet under this link. Please note the details under "Vision test".

Aptitude and aptitude testing
The profession of air traffic controller requires spatial awareness, the ability to withstand high levels of pressure, exceptional multi-tasking skills and team and communications skills. Mobility and the willingness to work shifts are prerequisites.

Your acceptance into the Skyguide Training Center is decided by a three-level aptitude testing procedure, which is conducted on a regular basis. To pass from one level to the next, specified standards of performance must be achieved. Stage 1 of the aptitude test consists of group tests of varying duration. We strongly advise you to prepare by trying these tests.

An English listening comprehension test is carried out at stage 1. The required level corresponds to the Cambridge First Certificate level. If your language skills are not adequate, it is possible to retake the English test after at least six months and attending a language course, preferably in an English-speaking region.

Tests at stage II are carried out with each candidate individually. There are two simulation exercises and a reaction test.

Then skyguide will offer each candidate a day at Geneva, Zurich or a regional airfield. Accompanied by a mentor, you will have the opportunity to see the job of an air traffic controller from close up, to get to know the airfield and to ask questions.

Stage III consists of two group exercises and an individual interview.

After completing stage III, aptitude testing is ended. A medical examination is the last requirement before training begins.

Oral English skills will be tested in a final interview and further procedure agreed.

Breaking off training
After the aptitude test, you have taken the first hurdle. During each training stage, trainees must undergo learning checks. These consist of theoretic al and practical examinations and qualifications according to clearly defined directives. Passing these tests and assessments is a condition for continuing training or its successful conclusion. If the required level is not achieved, training is broken off. Every candidate can, however, expect competent care and advice from those responsible for the training. If training is broken off, skyguide has no right to reclaim training expenses already incurred. Skyguide can also offer qualified students various attractive positions that do not require an air traffic controller’s licence.

Career steps
The profession of air traffic controller is a daily challenge in a dynamic environment. The compact working hours and shift-working mean that you can continue to follow your other interests and hobbies. Most air traffic controllers remain in their jobs until their retirement at 55 or 58. Skyguide also offers its employees, if they have the aptitude and interest, various promotion programmes and management training. There is also the possibility to become involved in the aptitude testing of air traffic controller candidates or their training, to take on responsibility for projects or as a shift-leader.

Civil or military
Skyguide is responsible for the organisation and performance of both civil and military air navigation services. In order to co-ordinate the two perfectly, civil and military air traffic controllers work closely together. The military air traffic controllers are civil employees of skyguide. They receive special training in the requirements of military air traffic.

European licence
The skyguide training programme satisfies all the requirements of the national and international regulators. Air traffic controllers are granted a licence recognised all over Europe and issued by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Guarantee of employment and general contract of employment
Licensed air traffic controllers can expect to be employed full-time by skyguide. As well as a responsibility-related salary, you will also enjoy advantageous working conditions under the terms of the general contract of employment, which is updated at regular intervals.

Language (during training and on-the-job)
English is the internationally recognised language of air navigation services. At the start of training, therefore, your oral English should be at a high level, equivalent to Cambridge First Certificate. If stage I of the aptitude testing determines that this is not the case, you may retake the test after six months and attending a language course.

Location
The company’s needs have absolute priority in deciding where you will work. Your wishes will be considered wherever possible.

Medical fitness
Medical fitness will be examined between passing the aptitude tests and the start of training.

Requirements profile
You can apply for training if you . . .

have completed secondary school with an A-level, a 3-year commercial apprenticeship or a 4-year technical apprenticeship
are a Swiss citizen (condition for military training), have a residence permit C or are a citizen of one of the EU-17/EFTA States
are aged between 19 and 30 years (year of birth is the deciding factor)
are German or French-speaking and have a very good command of English at the start of training
have a flair for logical thinking and dealing simultaneously with multiple tasks
are able to work under pressure and in a team
are very reliable and have a strong sense of responsibility.

Salary
Air traffic controllers have a very demanding job that carries a lot of responsibility, and this is reflected in the salaries they receive. With their first licence (Endorsement 1) - after approximately two to three years of training already - air traffic controllers are paid CHF 71'500 annual salary. 42 months after the beginning of their training, they are paid from CHF 87'927 to 109'909 full annual salary (after 25 years, from CHF 133'659 to 167'074). Moreover, after their first licence air traffic controllers receive a particular responsibility bonus of CHF 14'900 to CHF 24'000 per year.

Start of training and free training places
Courses start at the Skyguide Training Center several times per year. We accept applications at any time. If there are no free places on the course for the current year, candidates will be accepted for the following year, if they agree.

Training – a mix of theory and practice
The training to become an air traffic controller lasts 2.5 years and is a mix of theory and practice. You will spend the first seven months of theoretical training at the skyguide Training Center in Wangen near Dübendorf. There you will be taught the subjects of aerodynamics, flight knowledge, flight weather conditions, communications, navigation, air law, aviation information services, occupational and legal questions, technical English and radio-telephony and will perform the first simulation exercises.

After successful completion of basic training, you go on to these modules:
Rating
Basic training for the control tower, approach and take-off or airway control. In theoretical learning and practical simulator training, you will gain the necessary knowledge to go on to operations-specific training.
Endorsement 1
First part of the operational training. This includes theory and simulation training and learning at the work-place to expand procedural and system knowledge. The goal is authorisation for working independently in a certain number of work-places.
Solo E1
Working independently at the Endorsement 1 work-places.
Endorsement 2
Operational training in theory, simulation and on-the-job training. The goal is authorisation for working in the other work-places in the operational area = Endorsement 2.

Training costs and compensation
The company bears the full costs of training, which amount to around CHF 700,000. As a trainee at the skyguide Training Center, you will be paid during training:


Basic and rating	gross CHF 2000.00
Endorsement 1	gross CHF 2400.00
From endorsement 1	gross CHF 7346.00 (including bonus for special responsibility when working alone)

These amounts are paid 13 times a year.

Vision test
The “Vision Test Details” form must be submitted with the application form. This form must be completed by an optician or ophthalmist. Doctors from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) are responsible for any further medical examinations. The form can be downloaded in German and in French (as a PDF).