Profile of the Programme
Department of Air Traffic Control
Air traffic control service is one of the most safety-critical components of the air navigation services system. Its primary purpose is to prevent collisions between aircraft, and between aircraft and obstacles on the manoeuvring area, while ensuring the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. The fundamental function of air traffic services includes not only maintaining the safe conduct of flights, but also ensuring the efficient use of airspace and airport capacity, balancing traffic demand with available capacity, reducing delays, and improving the overall performance of the air traffic management system. Within this framework, the role of the air traffic controller is to ensure operational safety, regulate air traffic flow, enhance the efficiency of capacity utilization, and contribute to the sustainability of the air transportation system.
The Department of Air Traffic Control at the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Eskişehir Technical University, offers an undergraduate education program that trains air traffic controllers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required by national and international standards. The program consists of a comprehensive educational process that includes theoretical courses related to aviation and air traffic control, as well as practical training in which this theoretical knowledge is applied in air traffic control simulators.
The education provided in the Department covers not only the operational aspects of air traffic control service, but also current issues related to the air traffic system, such as air traffic delays, capacity problems, airspace and route structure planning, aircraft trajectory prediction, conflict detection, and conflict prevention. In this context, the program aims to ensure that students acquire the competencies necessary to contribute both to operational air traffic control processes and to research and development activities in the field of air traffic management.
Air traffic controller candidates are required to have English language proficiency at a minimum ICAO Level 4, as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization and, in Türkiye, by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Therefore, special emphasis is placed on developing students’ professional English communication skills within the program. English preparatory education in the Department is optional, and students may attend the English Preparatory Class for one year if they wish. During their undergraduate education, students take courses aimed at developing their knowledge of aviation terminology, pilot-controller communication, operational English usage, and English speaking skills, particularly through simulation-based courses.
The curriculum of the Department of Air Traffic Control is structured in a way that integrates theoretical courses, simulator practices, and compulsory internships. In accordance with national regulations, students complete an internship within the scope of on-the-job training after completing the basic air traffic control training courses. The compulsory internship in the program lasts 30 working days and enables students to gain professional observation and practical experience in air traffic control units at airports with high traffic density in Türkiye. The air traffic control unit where the internship will take place is determined by the Department in coordination with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority.
The Department of Air Traffic Control has a modern technological infrastructure that supports its education and research-development activities. The Department is equipped with radar control and aerodrome control simulators. The radar control simulator has 12 working positions, while the aerodrome control simulator provides a 360-degree visual environment. Simulation courses related to aerodrome, approach, and area control within the program are carried out practically in the Department’s aerodrome control and radar control simulators. In order to closely monitor students’ individual performance and provide effective feedback during simulator training, practical sessions are conducted by STDI-authorized instructors. This structure enables students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through operational scenarios and to develop the attention, coordination, prioritization, and decision-making skills required by the air traffic control profession.
With its competent academic staff and advanced technical infrastructure, the Department has been providing air traffic control education since 1986. The existing technical facilities, particularly the radar and aerodrome control simulators, enable students to develop their professional knowledge, skills, and competencies through realistic scenarios. At the same time, the expertise of the academic staff strengthens the Department’s capacity to produce scientific research and projects in areas such as air traffic management, airspace design, capacity and delay analysis, safety management, human factors, and operational efficiency. In this respect, the Department of Air Traffic Control operates as a strong academic and applied research unit that not only provides qualified education in the field of air traffic control, but also contributes to the production of scientific knowledge, sectoral collaborations, and the development of the aviation system.
Eskisehir Technical University Info Package