Self-test: Is the "HF Air Traffic Controller" degree program the right one for me?
Would you like to train as an air traffic controller, but want to make sure that the job of air traffic controller or training really suits you? Then take our quick and easy free, no-obligation self-test now.
What does the everyday working life of air traffic controllers with an HF diploma look like?
General job description:
The "Air Traffic Controller HF" course described here is the training course that prepares future air traffic controllers for work in the tower or in air traffic control.
Air traffic controllers ensure that every aircraft in their sector of responsibility maintains the prescribed minimum distance to the next aircraft. To this end, they issue instructions to the pilots regarding altitude, speed and course and check that the instructions are carried out. From the control tower, they direct the taxiing maneuvers, take-offs and landings of the aircraft. This also includes monitoring and accompanying small aircraft and helicopters, which fly according to visual flight rules and must be integrated into the instrument flight traffic around the airfield. In the approach control service, they guide the aircraft in the climb phase to the airways in the upper airspace and the approaching aircraft leaving the airways down to the airport. If there is too much traffic, they can direct aircraft into holding patterns. Working in the Area Control Center, air traffic controllers monitor aircraft movements in the airspace above Switzerland and neighboring countries. And with additional training, they can work for the Swiss Air Force and monitor military air traffic.
Fields of work and tasks:
Each of the following fields of work is considered a specialization for which a licence from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA is required. The air traffic controller can be deployed in one or more fields of work depending on the specialization and corresponding licence.
| In the tower |
|
|---|---|
| In the approach/departure service (Approach) |
|
| In Area Control Centers |
|
| In the military operations center |
|
Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an air traffic controller HF?
Great! Then you are certainly in the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on your answers in the questionnaire, our educational advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs and provide a helpful overview of the various educational levels. They are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Swiss education system.
If you don't like all the activities, you should try to analyze what you would and wouldn't like from the course. Take a look at some relevant job profiles, for example. And with what you find out, you can look at the following further training opportunities in related fields to see if you can find something that better suits your interests:
Remember: in practically every job there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate
If you don't like these activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities and job profiles in other professional fields. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Why not also take a look atour guide"Find your vocation" and benefit from helpful tips.
Target group and skills: Who is the air traffic controller training suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
Air traffic controller training is suitable for the following groups of people:
- Young professionals (between the ages of 18 and 28) in aviation-related or other professions who are looking for a new challenge
- High school graduates who are interested in an attractive and constantly evolving industry
Air traffic controllers HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Ability to multitask
- High sense of responsibility
- Meticulous way of working
- Reliable
- Resilient and stress-resistant
- Logical thinking
- Spatial imagination
- Technical understanding
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Flexible (irregular working hours)
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements for completing the air traffic controller training at a higher technical college and obtaining the HF diploma.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the HF diploma as an air traffic controller HF. Think about why this is the case: Do you not have basic vocational training (EFZ)? Or do you exceed the age requirements?
- If you do not have the necessary previous education, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible, for example, to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are younger or older than 18 or 30, you cannot start training in air traffic control at a higher technical college. Are there any other training courses/further training (in related fields) that you might also be interested in? For example:
- Cabin Crew Member (Cert.)
- Pilot HF / Pilotin HF
- Aviation Bachelor (FH)
- Geomatics Bachelor (FH)
- You can also find inspiration here:Air traffic training,Public transport trainingWhy not also take a look at ourGuide "Training and further education in the areas of road, rail and air transport"
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to air traffic controller training at a higher technical college
The higher technical colleges decide independently on the admission procedure for air traffic controller training.* The procedure can be found in the study regulations of the respective HF.
As a rule, the following admission requirements must be met in order to start training at a higher technical college to become an air traffic controller:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or high school diploma or other upper secondary level qualification
And
- Passing the Skyguide aptitude test (this consists of several comprehensive performance tests (e.g. concentration, perception, English language skills) and screenings (e.g. CV, behavior, personality, psychomotor skills)
And
- Passed initial medical examination at an aeromedical center (Medical Class 3)
In addition:
- Age between 18 and 28 at the start of training
- Swiss citizenship (mandatory for military training!) / citizen of EU-28/EFTA countries or C residence permit
- Language skills in German, French or Italian to at least level C1
- English language skills at level B2
Note:
Admitted students can have educational achievements already completed credited. Information on this can be obtained from theSkyguide Academy.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Before you contact the school of your choice: Take a look at the next steps in this self-test and check whether the HF air traffic controller course is right for you in terms of course content, costs/financing, duration/lesson hours and examination procedure/completion. These are also important points on the way to the HF diploma or the answer to the question: Does the course suit me?
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible to catch up on the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If your language skills do not yet meet the required level (B2 or C1), then take a look at suitableLanguage coursesto.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible to catch up on the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If your language skills do not yet meet the required level (B2 or C1), then take a look at suitableLanguage coursesto.
Subject matter and content of the training
When compiling the course material, the higher vocational colleges with air traffic controller training generally follow the specifications of the corresponding framework curriculum "Air Traffic Control".* Nevertheless, the higher vocational colleges have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their courses. There may therefore be differences as to which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured.
As a rule, the following topics are addressed:
- Aircraft technology
- Meteorology
- Aerodynamics
- Air traffic control technology
- Aeronautical Information Service
- Navigation
- Air law
- Radio telephony
- Simulation training
- English
* The Skyguide Academy is the sponsor of the "Air Traffic Management" framework syllabus. The Academy is responsible for drawing up the framework syllabus and periodically reviewing it every seven years to ensure that it is up to date and of high quality. If necessary, the framework syllabus is subject to partial or total revision.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better. The following could be suitable alternatives, for example:
Why not also take a look at ourAdvisor"Training and further education in the areas of road, rail and air transport"
Obviously the typical subject areas of air traffic controllers HF are not your thing. Take a look at other training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs are determined independently by the respective higher vocational colleges. In addition to the provider, the amount of the costs also depends on the training model and other services (e.g. supervision). In general, the following costs must be expected for air traffic controller training:
Tuition fees and wages:No course fees are payable for the "Air traffic controller HF / air traffic controller" course. The training is partly "on the job" and participants receive a training allowance. This salary is approx. CHF 4000 per month for the first (duration: 6 months) and second training stage (duration: 6 months), then approx. CHF 5000 for the third training stage (duration: 8-18 months).
Accommodation:Students who have more than an hour's commute to Wangen bei Dübendorf will be provided with free accommodation worth CHF 850. (Please note: the number of these accommodations is limited)
Question 5:
Are you able to cover additional expenses and living costs for 2.5 years that may not be covered by the training allowance?
Great! This seems like a good time for you to consider this full-time study program.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
If you need help with budget planning or budget preparation, you will receivehereFurther information.
- Ask your (future) employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Ask your (future) employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, training model, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration of study:The HF course to become a qualified air traffic controller HF takes 2.5 years.
- Training model:Air traffic controller training is offered and completed exclusively on a full-time basis. The training consists of a mixture of theoretical lessons, exercises on simulators and on-the-job training as well as the writing of a diploma thesis.
- In the first year of training, basic training (basic training and rating training, 12 months in total) takes place at the skyguide training center in Wangen near Dübendorf with a theory block and simulations (tower and radar).
- In the second year (unit training, duration: 8-18 months), the prospective air traffic controllers specialize and continue their training at their future place of work. They train on the job and on the simulator at civil or military airfields, in an air traffic control center or in the military operations center. At the end of the training, the trainee receives the appropriate FOCA license for the chosen field of work. This license is renewed through further training and retests.
- Number of lessons:The course comprises at least 5400 learning hours*, which are divided into academic and practical training components. A distinction is made between the following educational components: contact study (analog and/or digital synchronous supervision by teachers), guided self-study (commissioned learning tasks), individual self-study, internships (working in a practice-oriented or real field of work under the supervision of specialists and under the supervision of the training providers) The exact distribution of learning hours between the educational components is set out in the framework curriculum.
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
* Within the framework of a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours, the training providers can set content priorities or specializations. However, the protected title of the "Certified Air Traffic Controller HF" course remains unchanged.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than 2.5 years.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
After each individual training phase, candidates for air traffic controller training must pass tests. These consist of theoretical and practical tests and passing each individual test is a prerequisite for continuing the training.
The final qualification procedure for air traffic controllers consists of the following parts
(Note: The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations).
- Practice-orientedDiploma thesisThe diploma thesis is written by the candidates on one of the competencies specific to the profession. The topic should also have a practical and economic benefit. Furthermore, the thesis is presented by the candidates and then defended in an expert discussion.
- Oral and/or writtenExaminations
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Flugverkehrsleiter HF / dipl. Flugverkehrsleiterin HF".
- In French: "Contrôleur de la circulation aérienne diplômée ES / Contrôleuse de la circulation aérienne diplômée ES"
- In Italian: "Controllore del traffico aereo dipl. SSS / Controlla del traffic aereo dipl. SSS"
- In English (recommendation, but not a protected title!): "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Air Traffic Control"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training etc.. You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training, etc. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course for the HF diploma as an air traffic controller HF does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Air traffic controller HF is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: the job of air traffic controller does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Air traffic controller training at a higher technical college is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin