Air traffic control and dissemination of necessary information takes place by aviation communication systems which ensure safe and smooth flow of air traffic in the air space.
The navigation systems provide information on an aircraft's position and enable precise navigation during the whole flight – from its take-off from the departure aerodrome to the landing at the destination aerodrome.
Surveillance equipment and systems are used for the surveillance of the aircraft and their traffic in the air. The most traditional surveillance devices are radars but, alongside, new technologies are taken into use as well – ADS-B and MLAT systems.
During their studies the students of the speciality of Aviation Communication and Navigation Systems Management (the technicians and engineers-to-be) learn different aviation related disciplines, physics and mathematics. They acquire speciality knowledge of electrical engineering and radio technology, electronics, information technology, data processing and of many other fields. During the whole course of studies the practical skills in the management of the systems, the ability to evaluate technical parameters and the skills in testing the devices and equipment are developed.
During the 4-year course of studies the students also gain knowledge about the newest systems and technologies of the field, such as satellite navigation, VoIP communication, GIS – the Geographic Information System and several others. In addition, the UAV systems are taught and it is possible to deal with robotics and the respective programming.
The students receive a broad-scale preparation in communication and navigation systems management. In addition, they can specialize in one of the two subspecialties:
- the specialist on navigation and surveillance equipment (A3.1) who acquire in-depth knowledge during their two semesters in the Department of Radio and Communication Engineering of Tallinn University of Technology;
- the specialist on data communication and information processing equipment (A3.2) who acquire in-depth knowledge during their two semesters in the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Tartu.
The engineers of aviation communication and navigation systems can work in Estonian Air Forces, at aerodromes and in other enterprises and companies related to aviation.
The course for aviation engineers lasts for four years and the volume of studies is 240 ECTS credits. The study process falls into three phases:
Basic studies last for three semesters (90 ECTS). The course consists of lectures and practical training, and serves as the foundation for an academic degree course. The studies are carried out in co-operation with the University of Tartu and Estonian University of Life Sciences.
- Basic aviation studies last for one semester (30 ECTS).
Specialization begins after the completion of the course in basic aviation studies and falls into two stages:
- Basic professional training and
- Speciality training. Special courses (up to 120 ECTS) last for four semesters. The studies are carried out in co-operation with Tallinn University of Technology and the practical training in co-operation with different aviation enterprises and institutions in Estonia and abroad.
To graduate from the Academy the students have to write a graduation thesis and pass the exams depending on the speciality chosen.
The language of instruction at EAVA is the Estonian language except for the joint courses offered to ERASMUS students which are carried out in the English language.