Air Traffic Management

Tower Simulator Picture embedded from: http://www.airport-technology.com/

Recently someone asked me my opinion on how stringent the use of high fidelity simulators should be during the pre-OJT phase of ATCO training.

They quoted part of the EUROCONTROL European Licensing Manual Guidelines to implementation from 2001 :Â

It is appropriate to those busy units where there are insufficient light traffic periods to allow early stages of practical training to be safely and efficiently conducted. Simulators used for this type of training will therefore be of the high fidelity type that accurately reproduce the look and feel of real life situations in all respects. Not only must the visual representation be accurate but also the data displays, switches and controls must accurately reproduce the working environment.

My opinion is to look at the EUROCONTROL  European Manual of Personnel Licensing – ATCO from 2004 where on page 3 there is written:Â

It is intended that the words ‘must’ and ‘shall’, as used within each requirement will be complied with. So if we read what is written about pre-ojt and simulators we find the following:Because all operational ATC Units are different, student air traffic controllers and/or trainee air traffic controllers will require specific Unit Training in addition to the Initial Training before commencing On-the-Job Training (OJT). Unit Training may vary from the student/trainee air traffic controller being required to become familiar with the local area and Unit procedures to complex courses using high fidelity simulators to prepare for high traffic levels and/or complexAndUnit procedures.Â

Pre- On-the-Job Training

The phase of locally based training during which extensive use is made of simulation, using site-specific facilities, to enhance the development of previously acquired routines and abilities to an exceptionally high level of achievement to prepare student air traffic controllers and/or trainee air traffic controllers to commence On-the-Job Training.

8.4.4.1 Requirement

Pre- On-the-Job Training must adequately prepare student air traffic controllers and/or trainee air traffic controllers for On-the-Job Training.Â

So what is the requirement on the pre-OJTI phase? Â

In my opinion, the obligation that you have is that Pre OJT must adequately prepare students for OJT.Â

It is for the ANSP to prove, within the UTP, to the regulator that it is adequately preparing them. The guidelines about high fidelity is there to avoid ANSPS thinking that they can use part task trainer type, or very basic simulators during pre-OJT.  Since students need to be prepared for OJT, would a PTT provide adequate preparation??Â

So I would not put the ‘accent’ on the 100% accurate representation that a hifi sim has of the real environment.Â

I would put the accent on how adequately pre-ojt prepares for OJT.Â

If the answer is yes and that you can prove it to the regulator via evidence found in the UTP, then in my opinion, you should have no problem. Of course one should not take ‘short cuts’ and reverse the argument and say that since it is not a requirement, they could use basic simulators or simulators which are very different from the real environment.Â

But the bottom line is the following: Does the ANSP consider that all the training including the objectives and the methods and media that are used in pre OJT adequately  prepare the students for OJT?  If yes  can you prove it to the regulator?  If yes, does he agree? If the answer to all this is yes, then the pre-ojt in my opinion is ok.Â

If not, then the ANSP would have to review the problem areas….Â

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I came across an article on the Aviation English Services newsletter which argues that Aviation English could be taught more effectively if the content used to teach is relevant to the population studying it.

Namely for aviation personnel, namely those who need to meet the ICAO Language Requirements, English language training could be built around content and a context which is relevant to them.

This article confirms with what we have noticed in e-learning refresher training where a number of our partners have requested to us modules from our e-learning portfolio, not only for refresher training purposes but also for English training purposes.  Training managers have told us that not only their controllers would be refreshing their memory and learning on subjects such as level busts, communication procedures, ACAS, etc. but through the text, videos and voice overs, they will get exposed to Aviation English other than phraseology.

It is what I call hitting 2 birds, if you are a hunter, with one stone, or if you are not, getting 2 olives with one toothpick….

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Eurocontrol is organising a workshop on pedagogical issues when using e-learning.Â

The workshop will take place between the 9th and the 11th of October at Eurocontrol’s premises in Luxembourg.

Click here for the programme.

If you work in an activity related to Aviation, and would like to participate or know more, you can contact me at: max@bezzina.cc

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