THE EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING A COMPETENCY-BASED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CURRICULUM IN TRAINING PROGRAMS

Abstract

Traditional air traffic control training programs that emphasize course structures and training hours may not fully address the competencies required for actual operational performance, resulting in a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This quantitative survey research aimed to examine the effects of implementing a competency-based air traffic control curriculum in training programs and to compare trainees’ responses toward the curriculum among relevant sectors. The sample consisted of 86 trainees enrolled in Air Traffic Control Training Courses 46–48. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires. Statistical analyses included mean, standard deviation, t-test, One-way Analysis of Variance (One-way ANOVA), and Paired Samples t-test for competency comparison. The findings revealed that the overall competency level of trainees before the training was at a moderate level (  = 3.49), whereas the post-training competency level significantly increased to a high level (  = 4.26) at the .05 level of statistical significance. Teamwork competency demonstrated the highest mean scores both before and after the training. The comparison of overall competencies before and after the training indicated a statistically significant improvement in trainees’ competencies. In addition, the trainees reported the highest level of satisfaction and positive attitudes toward the curriculum, with differences observed according to personal factors. The findings suggest that the competency-based curriculum effectively enhanced trainees’ capabilities and reduced the gap between theoretical learning and real-world operational practice. Nevertheless, the trainees recommended extending the training duration and incorporating more real-world experiences from instructors to further strengthen understanding of actual operational practices.