DFS [Deutsche Flugsicherung] Trainee Air Traffic Control Selection Process
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DFS [Deutsche Flugsicherung] Trainee Air Traffic Control Selection Process
Dear all,
I am currently in the early stages of putting myself out there amongst one or two ATC companies.
I know PPRuNe provides a wealth of information regarding the NATS selection process, but I was wondering if anyone here on the forums has been through, or is going down the DFS route.
The (recently updated) DFS website does give a decent amount of information on the matter, but I feel it would be helpful to gain an additional insight from someone who has actually been through the process themselves.
From what I understand so far, upon successful completion of the initial application and questionnaire, candidates are invited to a two-part assessment stage in Hamburg which spans over five days. Any further light anyone might be able to shed on this matter would be much appreciated!
Many thanks in advance.
ILS RWY27L
I am currently in the early stages of putting myself out there amongst one or two ATC companies.
I know PPRuNe provides a wealth of information regarding the NATS selection process, but I was wondering if anyone here on the forums has been through, or is going down the DFS route.
The (recently updated) DFS website does give a decent amount of information on the matter, but I feel it would be helpful to gain an additional insight from someone who has actually been through the process themselves.
From what I understand so far, upon successful completion of the initial application and questionnaire, candidates are invited to a two-part assessment stage in Hamburg which spans over five days. Any further light anyone might be able to shed on this matter would be much appreciated!
Many thanks in advance.
ILS RWY27L
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ILS 119.5 - I speak fluent German, so that wouldn't be an issue.
From what I have learnt so far, the training is conducted in English and it seems as though their only requirement for a certain competency in German lies in the fact that certain (smaller) operational areas within Germany do use German as R/T.
I'm guessing this would only involve VFR operations in quiet locations. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!
I was just curious as to whether anyone here has been down the German route; it's interesting to get opinions from a variety of sources.
Thanks,
ILS RWY27L
From what I have learnt so far, the training is conducted in English and it seems as though their only requirement for a certain competency in German lies in the fact that certain (smaller) operational areas within Germany do use German as R/T.
I'm guessing this would only involve VFR operations in quiet locations. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!
I was just curious as to whether anyone here has been down the German route; it's interesting to get opinions from a variety of sources.
Thanks,
ILS RWY27L
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Hi, I have finished the DFS Academy just a few weeks ago and am now doing my OJT in Munich.
Excellent. 
Almost correct.
The training material is indeed in English, the actual classes are usually done in German though.
If you are intending to work at a Tower unit or Lower Airspace, you need to be able to speak German - mostly due to the VFR operations you may encounter there.
VFR operations yes, quiet location...no. Everywhere (below FL 100) would be more correct.
Regarding the actual process, not sure what you want to know...
You will receive preparatory material for the assessment center, including descriptions of the tests and some flash-based stuff to practice with.
During the assessment, you also will have to make a decision whether you would prefer Tower or Centre work, and you should have visited at least one unit of each before. Contact points are available at the DFS recruitment site.
If you have any further questions, please ask.
Regards,
Robert
ILS 119.5 - I speak fluent German, so that wouldn't be an issue.
From what I have learnt so far, the training is conducted in English and it seems as though their only requirement for a certain competency in German lies in the fact that certain (smaller) operational areas within Germany do use German as R/T.
The training material is indeed in English, the actual classes are usually done in German though.
If you are intending to work at a Tower unit or Lower Airspace, you need to be able to speak German - mostly due to the VFR operations you may encounter there.
I'm guessing this would only involve VFR operations in quiet locations. Please correct me if I'm mistaken!
Regarding the actual process, not sure what you want to know...
You will receive preparatory material for the assessment center, including descriptions of the tests and some flash-based stuff to practice with.
During the assessment, you also will have to make a decision whether you would prefer Tower or Centre work, and you should have visited at least one unit of each before. Contact points are available at the DFS recruitment site.
If you have any further questions, please ask.
Regards,
Robert
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Since you speak German: check www.fluglotse.com
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RobertK: Great to hear from someone who has been through the Academy!
Is your OJT Tower or Centre-based?
Thanks for explaining the reasons behind the necessity of command of the German language, it makes sense now.
Moira: I actually found that website during my research just a few hours before you posted it here yesterday, through using the 'google.de' search engine. But thanks nonetheless for suggesting it; it's a brilliant website.
RobertK: I was going to ask a bit more about the type of tests the selection process in Hamburg involves, but upon closer inspection of the http://www/fluglotse.com website it seems that candidates sign an agreement in Hamburg which means they are not permitted to reveal any of the test content to anyone! Is this true?
Like you say though, and as also stated on the Fluglotse website, preparation material is sent out to candidates including access to some online training material.
Many thanks for your help so far.
ILS RWY27L
Is your OJT Tower or Centre-based?
Thanks for explaining the reasons behind the necessity of command of the German language, it makes sense now.
Moira: I actually found that website during my research just a few hours before you posted it here yesterday, through using the 'google.de' search engine. But thanks nonetheless for suggesting it; it's a brilliant website.
RobertK: I was going to ask a bit more about the type of tests the selection process in Hamburg involves, but upon closer inspection of the http://www/fluglotse.com website it seems that candidates sign an agreement in Hamburg which means they are not permitted to reveal any of the test content to anyone! Is this true?
Like you say though, and as also stated on the Fluglotse website, preparation material is sent out to candidates including access to some online training material.
Many thanks for your help so far.
ILS RWY27L
