Full air traffic controller course
(Aerodrome, approach and en-route)
The Air Traffic Controller course at Skyway provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain the European Student Controller Licence with aerodrome, approach and en-route ratings.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the knowledge and operational capability required to begin working in an air traffic control unit.
The course is designed in accordance with the requirements of EU Regulation No. 2023/893 and Eurocontrol’s Common Core Content.
Duration
10/11 months
Course fees
57.500€
Forthcoming calls
April, July and November 2025
Entry requirements for the course
The entry requirements for the aerodrome controller course are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or a qualification that allows access to university, or an equivalent degree, prior to enrolment
- English level B2/C1
- Pass the Skyway or an air navigation service provider's selection process.
The phases of the selection process:
- Evaluation of the candidate’s CV
- Notification of shortlisted candidates and invitation to FEAST tests
- Eurocontrol’s FEAST tests (I, II and III)
- Behavioural interview, technical test, and group dynamics
- Submission of initial Class 3 aeromedical certificate for controllers
- Allocation of a place, enrolment and course start
Course content
The full course includes the Basic Course and the courses for the three air traffic control ratings: Aerodrome, Approach, and En-route.
The contents of the initial basic training are defined in Regulation (EU) 2023/893:
1. BASIC INITIAL ATC TRAINING
1.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
1.2 Practical: 9 simulation exercises
2. AERODROME RATING TRAINING (ADC)
2.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
• Abnormal and Emergency Situations
• Aerodromes
2.2 Practical Subjects (Simulation)
The ADI/ADV practical training consists of 65 simulation exercises plus 4 evaluations.
3. APPROACH RATING TRAINING (APP/ACP)
3.1 PROCEDURAL APPROACH CONTROL (APP)
3.1.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Course Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
• Abnormal and Emergency Situations
• Aerodromes
3.1.2 Practical Subjects (Simulation)
APP practical training consists of 15 simulation exercises plus 1 evaluation.
The total duration per student is 30 hours, during which each student will complete 15 simulation exercises in both the executive and planner positions.
3.2 SURVEILLANCE APPROACH CONTROL (APS)
3.2.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Course Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
• Abnormal and Emergency Situations
• Aerodromes
3.2.2 Practical Subjects
APS practical training consists of 35 simulation exercises plus 2 evaluations:
The total duration per student is 70 hours, during which each student will complete the 35 simulation exercises in both the executive and planner positions.
4. AREA CONTROL RATING TRAINING (ACP/APS)
4.1 PROCEDURAL AREA CONTROL (ACP)
4.1.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Course Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
• Abnormal and Emergency Situations
4.1.2 Practical Subjects (Simulator)
ACP practical training consists of 15 simulation exercises plus 1 evaluation.
The total duration per student is 30 hours, during which each student will complete the 15 simulation exercises in both the executive and planner positions.
4.2 SURVEILLANCE AREA CONTROL (ACS)
4.2.1 Theoretical Subjects
• Course Introduction
• Aeronautical Legislation
• Air Traffic Management
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Aircraft
• Human Factors
• Equipment and Systems
• Professional Environment
• Abnormal and Emergency Situations
4.2.2 Practical Subjects
ACS practical training consists of 35 simulation exercises plus 2 evaluations:
The total duration per student is 70 hours, during which each student will complete the 35 simulation exercises in both the executive and planner positions.