Air Traffic Control Department
Air traffic control service is one of the most safety-critical components of the air navigation services system. Its primary objectives are to prevent collisions between aircraft and, in the manoeuvring area, between aircraft and obstacles; and to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. In addition to ensuring the safe conduct of flights, the fundamental functions of air traffic services include the efficient use of airspace and aerodrome capacity, balancing traffic demand with available capacity, reducing delays, and improving the overall performance of the air traffic management system. In this context, the role of the air traffic controller is to ensure operational safety, regulate air traffic flow, improve capacity-utilisation efficiency, and support the sustainability of the air transport system.
The Air Traffic Control Department of Eskişehir Technical University’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers an undergraduate programme designed to train air traffic controllers with the knowledge, skills and competencies required by national and international standards. The programme comprises theoretical courses in aviation and air traffic control, as required by the air traffic control profession, together with a comprehensive instructional process in which this theoretical knowledge is put into practice through air traffic control simulators.
In addition to the operational dimension of air traffic control service, the education provided by the Department covers current air traffic system topics, including air traffic delays, capacity constraints, airspace and route-structure planning, aircraft trajectory prediction, conflict detection, and conflict prevention. Within this framework, the programme aims to equip students with the competencies needed to contribute both to operational air traffic control processes and to research and development activities in the field of air traffic management.
Air traffic controllers are required to demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of ICAO Level 4, as established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and, in Türkiye, by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Accordingly, particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ ability to use professional English effectively. English preparatory education is optional; students who wish to do so may attend the English Preparatory Class for one academic year. Throughout the undergraduate programme, the curriculum includes courses in aviation terminology, pilot-controller communications, and operational English.
The Air Traffic Control Department’s curriculum is structured so that theoretical courses, simulator-based training and compulsory internships complement one another. In accordance with national legislation, students undertake internships as part of their on-the-job training after completing the courses associated with basic air traffic control training. The compulsory internship lasts 35 working days and enables students to gain professional observation and practical experience in air traffic control units at airports with high traffic volumes in Türkiye. The air traffic control unit in which unit-based internships are undertaken is determined by the Department in coordination with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority.
The Air Traffic Control Department has a modern technological infrastructure that supports its educational and research and development activities. The Department is equipped with radar control and aerodrome control simulators. The radar control simulator has 12 controller working positions, while the aerodrome control simulator provides a 360-degree visual environment. Simulator-based courses related to aerodrome, approach and area control within the curriculum are delivered through practical instruction using the Department’s aerodrome and radar control simulators. To enable close monitoring of students’ individual performance and to provide effective feedback, simulator training is conducted by STDI-certified academic staff. This structure enables students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge through operational scenarios and to develop the attention, coordination, prioritisation and decision-making skills required of air traffic controllers.
With its qualified academic staff and advanced technical infrastructure, the Department has provided air traffic control education since 1986. Its existing technical resources, 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 conduct scientific research and develop 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 Air Traffic Control Department not only provides high-quality education in air traffic control, but also operates as a strong academic and applied research unit that contributes to the generation of scientific knowledge in air traffic management, sectoral collaboration and the development of the aviation system.