Air traffic control is a service provided to manage air traffic in a safe, efficient, rapid, and orderly manner. It is provided by air traffic controllers working in aerodrome control, approach control, and area control units. Air traffic controllers ensure the sustainability of safe air traffic operations at every stage of the flight, from takeoff to landing.
The Air Traffic Control Department was established in 1986 within Anadolu University. Since its establishment, it has conducted educational activities within the same university. The department was connected to Eskişehir Technical University with the Law No. 7141 published in the Official Gazette dated 18 May 2018.
Eskişehir Technical University Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the only higher education institution in Turkey authorized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation to provide undergraduate Air Traffic Controller training by national and international standards. During the 4-year education process, theoretical courses are taught along with practical courses on air traffic control simulators. The department has a radar control simulator with up-to-date technology and an aerodrome control simulator that provides 360-degree imaging.
Since the international language used in aviation is English, students who wish to do so can attend an optional English Preparatory Class for one year at our University before starting the department.
For students to develop the knowledge and skills they have gained during their education, they are required to complete two internships, namely virtual pilot and unit internship, during their undergraduate education. The purpose of the virtual pilot internship is to get to know the air traffic control simulator environment and system where practical courses are held, and to learn the phraseology used. The virtual pilot internship is carried out after the student completes the 2nd semester and before the 3rd semester courses begin. The purpose of the unit internship is to reinforce what is learned in the air traffic simulation environment and to gain knowledge and experience by seeing air traffic in a real traffic environment. The unit internship is carried out in the air traffic control units of large-scale airports in our country. This internship takes place after the student completes the 6th semester and takes at least two of the simulator courses.
In order to graduate from the department, students must complete at least 240 ECTS credits consisting of compulsory and elective courses and their compulsory internship at the end of 4 years. Licensing of department graduates is carried out in accordance with the "SHY 65-01 Air Traffic Control Services Personnel Licensing and Rating Regulation".