Impact of Competency on Performance: An Application to Air Traffic Controller

Tuncal, Arif; Çınar, Ertan · 2025 · Crossref

DOI: 10.30518/jav.1639476

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Summary

This study investigates the impact of competency on performance among air traffic controllers (ATCs), addressing a gap in empirical research regarding how specific competencies influence operational outcomes in aviation. The research aims to determine differences in ATCs' perceptions of competency and performance based on experience, working unit, and instructor status, while quantifying the relationship between these constructs. The motivation stems from the critical role of ATCs in ensuring aviation safety and the need to understand how competency models, as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), translate into measurable performance. The study employed a quantitative survey design involving 397 air traffic controllers from Türkiye, a region with high traffic volume and strict adherence to ICAO standards. Data were collected using two instruments: the Air Traffic Control Competency Scale (ATCCS), a newly developed scale measuring Procedural and Behavioral Competencies, and the Performance Scale (PEC), measuring Task and Contextual Performance. Both scales utilized a 5-point Likert rating. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, linear regression, Independent Samples t-tests, and One-Way ANOVA to test hypotheses regarding the influence of demographic variables and the predictive power of competency on performance. The results revealed that competency is a strong predictor of performance, accounting for 60.3% of the variation in performance scores ($r=0.777$; $\beta=0.796$). Significant positive interactions were found among all sub-factors of competency and performance. Regarding demographic variables, experience level significantly influenced perceptions: controllers with 0–5 years of experience reported significantly higher competency (mean=4.5379) and performance (mean=4.3418) compared to those with 6–10 years of experience. However, no statistically significant differences were found based on the working unit (Aerodrome, Approach, or Area Control) or instructor status (authorized vs. not authorized). Although authorized instructors and Aerodrome Control Unit staff showed slightly higher mean scores, these differences were not statistically significant. The findings confirm a robust, positive relationship between competency and performance in air traffic control, validating the importance of competency-based frameworks in this high-stakes environment. The study highlights that newer controllers perceive their competencies and performance more highly than those with slightly more experience, suggesting potential nuances in self-assessment or adaptation phases. The lack of significant differences across units and instructor statuses implies that competency and performance perceptions are relatively consistent regardless of specific operational roles or training responsibilities within the Turkish ATC system. The authors conclude that while competency is a primary driver of performance, future research should adopt broader, dynamic approaches to examine long-term changes and diverse operational contexts to further enhance ATC effectiveness.

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