DFS - Air Traffic Control

Air Navigation Services (ANS)

Germany has one of the busiest airspaces in the world. Every day, 10,000 flights pass through German airspace. Last year, the air traffic controllers of DFS controlled more than three million aircraft movements.

They ensure that the aircraft always maintain adequate separation from one another, and that the air traffic over Germany is handled safely and expeditiously. They work either in the radar control centre or in the tower.

In Langen, near Frankfurt, DFS operates Europe's largest radar control centre. Further control centres are located in Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich.

DFS also has staff working in the EUROCONTROL Centre in Maastricht and at the 16 international airports in Germany. All in all, DFS employs some 5,200 members of staff, one third of whom are air traffic controllers.

Apart from performing day-to-day tasks, the air navigation services also develop air traffic management systems, surveillance systems as well as navigation aids. The company compiles flight-related data and uses it for providing its products and services, such as aeronautical maps and charts and its pre-flight information service.

In its Academy, the company trains a large number of air traffic controllers every year. In the light of the further consolidation of Europe, DFS is committed to pursuing future-oriented projects, such as developing a European satellite system and a common European database containing flight data.

Control Centre and Tower

Some air traffic controllers work in the cab of the tower at the airport, while others work in the control centre using radar systems to control air traffic. They all have the same job, regardless of where they work: Guide all aircraft to their destinations safely and orderly, both on the ground and in the air. In performing this task, controllers work in a team and use state-of-the-art technology.

Air traffic controllers perform a highly responsible job, and a high level of trust is placed in them. Their continuous monitoring of the airspace is essential – otherwise no aircraft could fly, take off or land safely. Safety first is the top priority in air traffic control.

The airspace over Germany is divided horizontally and vertically into different sectors. A team of two controllers is responsible for one of these sectors. They assign routes, flight levels and speeds to all aircraft crossing their sector. If pilots leave their prescribed course, the controllers will give them instructions via radio to get back on track.

All instructions are given in English only. Controllers and pilots work closely together: The pilot flies the aircraft, while the air traffic controller gives directions. Controllers need to be highly skilled. They have to separate the aircraft in such a way that ensures the prescribed separation minima are complied with. They are constantly confronted with new information, which they must integrate in their workflows. At the same time, they have to coordinate with the air traffic controllers working in adjacent sectors. After all, controllers cannot go it alone – the job of controlling the airspace can only be done as part of a team. This is why the controller is assisted by another colleague and is supported by highly specialised radar and computer systems. Air traffic controllers must be proficient in operating the technical systems and in communicating quickly and clearly.

 

Technology

Air traffic controllers use the state-of-the-art technology of DFS. Highly qualified engineers continuously develop new air traffic control systems which are tailored to meet the demands of the air traffic controllers. Additionally, DFS operates instrument landing systems at the international airports in Germany as well as radar and navigation facilities. These radar facilities are used to monitor the entire German airspace.

There are two basic types of radar: primary radar and secondary radar. Primary radar antennas transmit electromagnetic pulses which are reflected by the aircraft and returned to the antenna. In this way, it is possible to determine the position of each aircraft in airspace. However, this does not provide controllers with any information about the identity of the aircraft.

The secondary radar antenna which is mounted above the primary radar antenna also transmits electromagnetic signals. In contrast to the primary radar, these signals are not reflected but received by an antenna on board the aircraft. They activate a radar response which is returned to the secondary radar antenna. This signal, which consists of a four-digit number, informs the controller of the identity of the aircraft. The data appear on the controller's radar screen. Only after receiving this information can the controller identify the aircraft and assign a flight level and heading to the pilot.