Validation of a Crisis Management Training Model Based on Reducing Air Traffic Control Challenges in Iran

Setareh  Sepehri; Baharak Shirzad Kebria; Saeid  Saffariyan Hamedani; Fereshteh  Kordestani

Authors

Setareh Sepehri PhD student, Department of Educational Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1493-8212
Baharak Shirzad Kebria Department of Educational Management and Higher Education, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6472-7848
Saeid Saffariyan Hamedani Department of Educational Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3819-0316
Fereshteh Kordestani Department of Educational Management and Higher Education, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6190-5175

Keywords:

Crisis Management Training; Air Traffic Control; Operational Preparedness; Crisis Response; Structural Equation Modeling; Aviation Safety; Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to validate a crisis management training model developed to reduce air traffic control challenges in Iran.

Methods and Materials: This applied quantitative study employed a descriptive-survey design. The statistical population comprised 430 air traffic control personnel, including employees of Mehrabad Airport Control Tower, Tehran Approach Control Unit, and the national Area Control Center. Using Cochran’s formula and stratified random sampling, 203 participants were selected. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire developed from findings of the preceding qualitative phase. Face, content, and construct validity were assessed, while reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Average variance extracted, composite reliability, maximum shared variance, and average shared variance were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings: The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficient was 0.892, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ² = 636789.058, df = 203, p = .001), confirming suitability for factor analysis. All standardized component loadings were significant and ranged from 0.70 to 0.81, while the relationships between the main model and its five dimensions ranged from 0.71 to 0.78. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit to the data, with GFI = 0.92, AGFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.96, CMIN/df = 1.38, and RMSEA = 0.046. Thus, the five-dimensional structure comprising Operational Preparedness and Capability, Crisis Management and Rapid Response, Leadership, Structure, and Resources, Knowledge, Training, and Continuous Learning, and Information and Emerging Technologies was empirically supported.

Conclusion: The validated model provides a coherent and empirically supported framework for crisis management training in Iranian air traffic control and can guide the development of integrated training programs addressing operational, technological, organizational, human, and continuous-learning requirements.

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