Skyguide – A Job I’m Totally Unsuitable For – or: How Does One Become an Air Traffic Controller?

I visited Skyguide – the heart of all flights in Switzerland. No, that’s actually not the best comparison. Skyguide is more like the brain. A central hub that operates 24/7/365 to ensure that all flights take off, land, and pass over Switzerland safely – including military flights. Since Switzerland is located in the middle of Europe, there were exactly 1,328,974 flights in 2024. The annual number usually ranges between 1 and 1.3 million. The punctuality rate was an impressive 95.3% of all flights.

Training to become an air traffic controller takes two and a half years (30 months full-time). Up to 1,000 people apply each year for just 50 training spots. It’s no surprise, then, that the requirements are high. The minimum age is 18 – not shocking. What did surprise me was the maximum age: 28. Applicants must have completed either an apprenticeship or high school (Matura). It goes without saying that you need to be fluent in several languages – German, French or Italian, and English.

Candidates must think logically, be capable of multitasking, have a strong sense of responsibility, remain calm under pressure, and be absolutely reliable. I might have met some of those criteria, but even in my younger years, I would never have made it through the selection process, which includes extensive aptitude testing. Despite this multi-stage selection, only about 25 people actually complete the training and enter the profession. Almost hard to believe – but also reassuring to know that only the very best are trusted with such a demanding job.

I watched them work in the control center, where a calm and friendly atmosphere prevailed, and the four-eyes principle is always followed. I listened to what they do and how they do it – including the rule that they must take a break after a maximum of two hours. Each controller is responsible for up to 20 flights at a time. 20 at once! Before starting their shift, they must lock away all personal belongings, especially their phones. During the shift I observed, only men were on duty. Overall, about two-thirds of Skyguide’s staff are male. Honestly, that didn’t really surprise me.

I listened to the radio communication between the air traffic controllers and the pilots. At first, I could only make out a few words. Maybe my understanding would’ve improved with time. I also saw transcripts of what they were actually saying – but it’s very technical and hard to understand without proper training.

I have deep respect for this profession and the people who do it. In the training center, I got a glimpse of what they have to learn. Actually – no, I didn’t. I couldn’t really grasp it. I’m just glad they’re out there.