Aviation

Air traffic controller CV: example and template

This example is for air traffic controllers at aerodrome, approach and area control units, and for trainees and controller assistants working towards a licence.

The employer wants to know which licence and ratings you hold, which unit you work at, how heavy the traffic is, your English level and whether you have extra roles, for example instructor. We show you how to describe this on your CV.

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Example CV: air traffic controller

All the details in this example are fictional. Treat it as a model of layout and wording, and replace the content with your own experience.

Jakub Malinowski

Air traffic controller, approach control

Warsaw +48 123 456 789 jakub.malinowski@example.com

Professional profile

Air traffic controller with 9 years of experience, the last 6 at the approach control unit of a major airport. I hold a controller licence with aerodrome control and approach surveillance ratings and a unit endorsement. I control traffic in a sector handling over 40 movements an hour at peak, and for 3 years I have trained new controllers as an on-the-job training instructor.

Work experience

Air traffic controller, approach control

03.2020 - present

Air navigation service provider, Warsaw

  • Approach surveillance control around a major airport.
  • Over 40 movements an hour at peak.
  • Separating aircraft and sequencing for landing.
  • Coordination with the tower, area control and neighbouring units.
  • On-the-job training instructor for new controllers.

Air traffic controller, aerodrome control

04.2017 - 02.2020

Air navigation service provider, Poznan

  • Aerodrome control in the tower.
  • Aerodrome and ground traffic.
  • Working with the airport and services.

Education

Engineering degree, aerospace engineering

2011 - 2015

Rzeszow University of Technology

Skills

  • Approach surveillance control
  • Aerodrome control
  • Separation and sequencing
  • Aviation phraseology
  • Coordination with neighbouring units
  • On-the-job training of controllers

Licences

  • Air traffic controller licence
  • Aerodrome control and approach surveillance ratings
  • Aviation English proficiency, level 6
  • Class 3 medical certificate

Languages

  • English: C2

Additional information

  • Shift work

I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes necessary to carry out the recruitment process, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (GDPR).

How to write an air traffic controller CV

Professional summary

Write which licence and ratings you hold, which unit you work at and how heavy the traffic is. The employer is looking for a controller who stays fully focused under pressure, makes quick and safe decisions and works exactly by the procedures.

Aviation graduate after basic controller training. I hold a class 3 medical and aviation English at level 5. I am looking for work as a trainee air traffic controller.

Experience: duties and achievements

Describe the unit, type of control, sectors, traffic density and coordination. Add your licence, ratings, unit endorsements, English level and medical. Also say whether you work as an instructor or examiner.

Weaker: Controlling traffic.

Better: Approach surveillance control around a major airport.

Weaker: Scale.

Better: Over 40 movements an hour at peak.

Weaker: Training.

Better: On-the-job training instructor for new controllers.

Skills worth listing

List the types of control, separation, phraseology, coordination and training. In your soft skills show concentration, decisiveness and resilience to stress.

Professional skills

  • Approach control
  • Aerodrome control
  • Separation
  • Aviation phraseology
  • Coordination
  • On-the-job training

Personal skills

  • Concentration
  • Decisiveness
  • Resilience to stress
  • Spatial thinking
  • Communication

Licences

List your licence with ratings and endorsements, aviation English level and medical certificate. Also say when your ratings are due for renewal.

How to become an air traffic controller

The path leads through recruitment with tests, basic training, rating training and practice at a unit. On your CV show what stage you are at.

Add very good English and your test results if you know them. Recruitment is demanding and every detail counts.

Tailoring your CV to the job offer

An aerodrome unit looks for aerodrome and ground traffic, approach control for sequencing for landing, and area control for large sectors and transit traffic. Move to the top what the job ad is about.

The most common mistakes on an air traffic controller CV

Questions and answers

What should an air traffic controller put on a CV?

The licence, ratings, unit endorsements, type of control, traffic density, English, medical and extra roles.

Which licences are needed?

A controller licence with a rating for the type of control and a unit endorsement.

Which English level is required?

At least level 4 aviation English proficiency, and in practice usually higher.

Is an aviation degree necessary?

No, but it helps. The recruitment tests and training matter most.

Create an air traffic controller CV in the builder

In the CV Majster builder you enter your details step by step and see right away what the document looks like. You can copy the wording from this page and adapt it to yourself. The finished CV as a PDF costs a one-off PLN 5, with no subscription, and you see the preview before you pay.

Go to the CV builder

See also

Resume examples for similar jobs

Career guide

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