What an air traffic controller does
A controller keeps aircraft safely separated on the ground, during take off and landing, and in the air. Controllers work in tower, approach and area control units. They track many aircraft at once, give short and precise instructions and keep a fast changing picture alive in their heads.
Getting hired in Turkey
In Turkey, air traffic services are provided by DHMİ, which hires the controllers. According to SHGM, the main route is to join DHMİ as a trainee controller through the KPSS public service exam and train there. DHMİ also publishes calls for assistant controllers who already hold a valid controller licence.
One assistant controller call listed these requirements: a four year university degree, a valid air traffic controller licence, a KPSS P3 score, a set level on an English test recognised by ÖSYM, a Class 3 medical certificate, a computer based or written exam and an oral interview. The call also required no strong accent, lisp or stammer that could cause misunderstanding on the radio.
Requirements change from one call to the next. Age limits and score thresholds are stated in each call, and the decision follows that call.
The university route
Some Turkish universities run Air Traffic Control degree programmes that admit through the YKS exam. Each programme's special conditions are listed in the ÖSYM guide and should be read before choosing. This route is not mandatory: according to SHGM, trainee entry is open to four year graduates.
Medical
According to SHGM, a controller who will be licensed and work operationally must meet Class 3 medical standards under ICAO Annex 1. A student can apply for an assessment early, by choice, to learn whether there is a permanent obstacle. In Europe the same topic is covered in EASA's Regulation (EU) 2015/340, in its ATCO.MED part.
What selection measures
SHGM states that selection uses a computer based programme measuring cognitive abilities and personality traits. In practice the key skills are spatial awareness, tracking several tasks at once, short term memory, fast and accurate arithmetic, calm decisions under pressure and clear speech.
School subjects that build the base
Maths: the relation between speed, distance and time, mental arithmetic, angles, headings and geometry.
Physics: motion and vectors. Picturing an aircraft's position and direction becomes easier with this base.
English: the most critical subject for the job. Reading is not enough; fast listening and short, clear sentences are needed.
AP Physics 1 and AP Precalculus strengthen this base, and so do IB Math AI and IGCSE Mathematics. For academic English reading and grammar, the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section is good practice.
Common mistakes
Seeing control as a backup to flying. It is a separate profession with a separate aptitude profile.
Relying only on an Air Traffic Control degree. Graduates of other fields can also join as trainees.
Treating English as a reading test.
Leaving medical and speech requirements to the last moment.