ICAO 051 - INITIAL TRAINING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STUDENTS

The ATCO Initial Training programme is designed to develop the foundational knowledge and skills that enable student air traffic controllers to progress to specialised ATC training.

• Establishes core ATC knowledge and operational skills

• Prepares student ATCOs for specialised rating and unit training

• Provides the required foundation before advanced or site-specific instruction

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:

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INITIAL TRAINING

ATCO Initial Training is designed, in line with the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS competency-based training methodology (Doc 9941) and ICAO Doc 10056, to develop the fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes required of student air traffic controllers and to prepare them for unit training.

• Follows TRAINAIR PLUS competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) principles

• Comprises basic training and rating training as the two phases of initial training

• Builds the underpinning knowledge, practical skills and professional attitudes needed for basic ATC operations

• Prepares trainees to progress to unit training at an ATC unit after successful completion of the applicable rating(s)

• Supports issue of a student ATCO licence and readiness for specialised unit/OJT training

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RATING TRAINING

Rating Training is the second phase of ATCO Initial Training. In line with the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS competency-based methodology (Doc 9941) and ICAO Doc 10056, it provides the theoretical and practical training needed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a specific ATC rating and to prepare the trainee for unit training in that discipline.

• Forms part of Initial Training, after Basic Training

• Develops competencies for a specific rating (e.g. ADC, APP, APS, ACP, ACS)

• Combines theoretical instruction with practical/simulator training

• Aligns training to the job category and operational discipline to be exercised in the ATS environment

• On successful completion, prepares the trainee to commence unit training for the rating(s) achieved

ICAO 051 — Basic Training (ATC Induction)
Technical Guidelines

Course Objective
ICAO 051 Basic Training is designed in accordance with the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS competency-based training methodology (Doc 9941) and ICAO Doc 10056. It provides student air traffic controllers with the fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes required for basic air traffic operations and establishes the essential foundation prior to Rating Training (stream training) in a specific ATC discipline.

The course combines theoretical instruction, guided practical application and introductory simulation to develop performance-based competence, not knowledge acquisition alone.

Course Structure

• 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

Training Intent

• Builds the underpinning knowledge required of all ATCOs under ICAO Annex 1

• Introduces practical and simulated ATC tasks to support competency-based learning

• Provides early exposure to aerodrome, approach and area control concepts

• Prepares trainees to progress to Rating Training in the selected ATS discipline

SIMULATION TRAINING

Simulation Training is delivered in accordance with the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS competency-based training methodology (Doc 9941) and ICAO Doc 10056. It develops and assesses the practical skills and integrated performance required of student air traffic controllers in a controlled aerodrome environment, using evidence of competent performance rather than knowledge testing alone.

Training is conducted in a 3D tower simulator and includes at least 25 individually evaluated exercises, together with additional exercises in a small-system configuration. The simulated airspace and aerodrome may be generic or site-specific and represent an aerodrome environment with one active airport, single or crossing runway operations, and radar service.

Training Intent

• Builds practical ATC skills through structured, performance-based simulator exercises

• Provides assessed evidence of competence against the required ATCO tasks

• Exposes trainees to aerodrome operations, runway configurations and radar service

• Supports progression from Basic Training to Rating Training and subsequent unit training

Licensing Baseline (ICAO Annex 1)
In accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, air traffic controllers must meet specified requirements for age, knowledge, experience and medical fitness. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age before an ATCO licence is issued. Minimum experience and medical fitness standards are set out in ICAO Annex 1. Student controllers must also demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge in at least the following subjects: air law; air traffic control equipment; 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.