The project titled "Discover Air Traffic: Applied Simulator Activities", supported within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program, has officially commenced, hosted by Eskisehir Technical University (ESTU).
Conducted through the collaboration of Eskisehir Technical University, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, and Samsun University, undergraduate students from various universities across Turkiye will gain the opportunity to closely analyze air traffic management processes through hands-on activities and simulator laboratory work.
Eskisehir Technical University Rector, Prof. Dr. Adnan OZCAN, attended the opening program to meet with the participating students. Highlighting the supreme importance of the project regarding aviation training, applied learning, and scientific awareness during his opening address, Rector Prof. Dr. Adnan OZCAN expressed his profound pleasure in hosting such scientific events, drawing attention to ESTU's deep-rooted academic knowledge, advanced technical infrastructure, and state-of-the-art simulator installations.
Taking place between June 29 and July 3, 2026, the project aims to introduce the field of air traffic management to undergraduate aviation students. The primary motivation of the project stems from the fact that although air traffic management represents one of the most critical zones of aviation, it remains less recognized by students compared to other aerospace disciplines. In this direction, participants are targeted to evaluate core parameters such as flight planning, airspace utilization, air traffic control services, safety management systems, operational efficiency, and environmental footprints from a holistic perspective.
Throughout the project, students will experience the entire tracking layout from flight planning to active air traffic control hands-on. Hosted by the ESTU Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, students are given the opportunity to manage diverse operational scenarios within the aerodrome control (tower) and radar control simulators. Furthermore, participants will observe the operational dimensions of air traffic services on-site through a technical field trip organized at the ESTU Hasan Polatkan Airport.
During the simulated exercises, students assume active controller and pilot roles to discover the core processes of safe and efficient air traffic management by practicing in real-time. The project intends not only to deliver professional knowledge and operational skills but also to contribute to bridging science with society while expanding aviation awareness among young scholars.
Nearly 200 applications were received from undergraduate students enrolled in aviation faculties and civil aviation schools across Turkiye. Among the applications filed from 18 different universities, 30 selected students qualified to participate in the applied training and simulator events organized at Eskisehir Technical University.
While the project coordinator role is undertaken by Res. Asst. Dr. Mustafa OZDEMIR from Erzincan Binali Yildirim University; Prof. Dr. Oznur USANMAZ, Prof. Dr. Nuray GEDIK, Prof. Dr. Ozlem SAHIN, and Lecturer Dr. Mehmet Ali ISIKOGLU from Eskisehir Technical University, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadir DONMEZ from Samsun University, serve as designated subject matter experts.
The active participation of four prominent academics from Eskisehir Technical University within the project team strongly reflects ESTU's academic leadership and technical training capacity in air traffic management. Additionally, the fact that the project team members from partner institutions completed their master's and doctoral degrees at Eskisehir Technical University highlights the strong connection of this project with the qualified human resources raised natively by ESTU.
Captured frames from the project events highlight active implementation and observation processes regarding aerodrome tower simulators, radar control units, and the technical tracking trip at the ESTU Hasan Polatkan Airport. Group photos of the participating students alongside the project team emphasize the gathering dimension of the project, uniting scholars from diverse universities under the roof of Eskisehir Technical University.
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