Basic training is designed to build fundamental knowledge and skills to enable the student air traffic controllers to progress to specialized air traffic control training.

The Initial ATC Training includes the teaching to Air Traffic Control Students of technical subjects, a ATC theory and practice including practical training conducted on simulators.

The object of Initial Training is to prepare a trainee for Pre- On-the-Job Training (pre-OJT) at an ATC Unit. Initial Training is divided into two phases:

Basic Training - 8 weeks

The estimated duration of the “Basic” training program is 320 hours (approximately 8 weeks)

Training designed to impart fundamental knowledge and skills, to enable student ATCOs to progress to specialized ATC training.

Rating Training (training in the rating discipline) Specialized ATC training to provide knowledge and skills related to a job category and appropriate to the discipline to be pursued in the ATS environment.

ICAO 051 TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

Course Objective: To provide the trainee with a comprehensive introduction to Air Traffic Services in general and to develop specific theoretical skills in Air Traffic Services procedures and techniques required as essential base knowledge prior to stream training.

The course consists of theory, theory with practical training and simulation exercises:

• SUBJECT 1: Introduction to the Course (INTRB)

• SUBJECT 2: Aviation Law (LAWB)

• SUBJECT 3: Air Traffic Management (ATMB)

• SUBJECT 4: Meteorology (METB)

• SUBJECT 5: Navigation (NAVB)

• SUBJECT 6: Aircraft (ACFTB)

• SUBJECT 7: Human Factors (HUMB)

• SUBJECT 8: Equipment and Systems (EQPSB)

• SUBJECT 9: Professional Environment (PENB)

Radar Introduction Practical-ATS Skills

SIMULATION TRAINING

The simulator training is conducted in a 3D tower simulator and consists of at least 25 evaluated individual exercises as well as exercises in a small system. The airspace/aerodrome could be either generic oe site-specific and simulates traffic in an aerodrome environment, with one active airport and single or crossing runway operations and radar service.

According to the standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization the air traffic controllers must meet a number of specific requirements with regard to age, knowledge, experience and medical fitness. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age (before being issued a license). Minimum experience requirements and standards of medical fitness are detailed in ICAO Annex 1. All student controllers must demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge in at least the following subjects: air law, air traffic control equipment, general knowledge of the principles of flight, human performance and limitations, language, meteorology, navigation and operational procedures.

ACADEMIC COMPETENCY-BASED ASSESSMENT

ATCO students shall be evaluated by Doc 9995 Manual of Evidence-based Training.

https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/3177.pdf

Competency-based training programs, such as ab-initio courses, are highly dependent upon the analytical and assessment skills of the instructor cadre.

The purpose of the evaluation phase is to assess competence, determine training system effectiveness and indicate individual training needs. On completion of the evaluation phase any areas that do not meet the minimum competency standard will become the focus of subsequent training. If, at the conclusion of this training, competency has not been achieved in all areas, the trainee should be removed from line of training and should only resume after additional training and assessment confirming that minimum competency standards have been achieved. Any area of competence assessed not to meet the required standard shall also be associated with an observable behavior that could lead to an acceptable reduction in safety margin. Any subsequent retraining and assessment needs to focus on the root cause of the deficiency and not simply be the repetition of an exercise.

Assessment is a continuous process throughout all phases. It is the process of observing, recording, analyzing and determining crew performance against a defined standard in the context of overall performance. It includes the concept of self-critique and feedback, which can be given during training, or in summary thereafter.

Qualified and authorized instructors shall be assigned to carry out assessments to determine that all required performance standards have been satisfactorily achieved.

Assessment should be accomplished by relating the observed student’s behavior to the competencies outlined in the assessment program. The competencies should not be used as a checklist. The determination of crew competence should be made solely with reference to defined standards established by the operator or training organization.

All ATCO students should be fully briefed and provided with information on the following:

a) competencies and related behavior indicators.

b) purpose of each phase of EBT (see Chapter 3 of this Part, 3.8.1).

c) assessment methods and performance criteria; and

d) operator or ATO grading system.

The purpose of the evaluation phase is to:

a) observe and assess flight crew competency.

b) collect data to further develop and validate the effectiveness of the training system; and

c) identify individual training needs.

COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

Based on TRAINAIR - Compliant with ICAO and EUROCONTROL Specification for the ATCO Common Core Content Initial Training Initial Training - ATO approved by either contracting CAA or ANSP

SUPPORTING TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

Aerodrome Simulators: These simulators replicate airport environments, including runways, taxiways, and apron areas. They allow trainees to practice managing aircraft movements on the ground, coordinating with ground control, and handling various scenarios such as emergencies or busy traffic periods. Key features might include:

▪ Realistic 3D environments of specific airports or generic models.

▪ Simulation of weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow.

▪ Integration of voice communication for realistic controller-pilot interactions.

Surveillance Simulators: These focus on radar or other surveillance technologies used by controllers to track aircraft in the air. Features include:

▪ Surveillance simulation with the ability to inject multiple aircraft tracks.

▪ Simulation of different radar modes, including primary and secondary radar.

▪ Emergency scenarios like loss of transponder signal or sudden changes in flight paths.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS)

▪ Content Management: An LMS organizes all training materials, from procedural manuals to video tutorials, ensuring that resources are accessible and up-to-date.

▪ Progress Tracking: Monitors each trainee's progress through courses, assessments, and simulations, helping trainers identify areas where additional focus is needed.

▪ Interactive Modules: Allows for interactive lessons where trainees can engage with content actively rather than passively reading or watching.

ONLINE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

▪ Real-time Feedback: Provides immediate feedback on performance in simulations or quizzes, essential for real-time learning adjustments.

▪ Automated Grading: Reduces the workload on trainers by automatically evaluating answers or performances against predefined criteria.

▪ Scenario-based Testing: Tests can be designed around specific scenarios, ensuring that trainees are not only knowledgeable but also competent in practical application.

▪ Certification and Compliance: Manages the certification process, ensuring all regulatory training requirements are met with records of completion and competency.

These technologies combined create a comprehensive training ecosystem for ATC personnel, enhancing both the learning experience and the competence of controllers in handling the complexities of modern air traffic. Each component supports different aspects of training, from theoretical knowledge to practical application in simulated real-world conditions.