Modernising Air Traffic Management Training: A Pathway to Accessibility and Efficiency
Paul Diestelkamp, Head of Innovation and Delivery at Air Navigation Solutions Limited (ANSL), an air navigation service provider (ANSP) in the United Kingdom, dissects the current state of air traffic management (ATM) training in the UK, and how ANSL is on a mission to modernise the current, uncompromising system.
The challenge today
Central to the success of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and the smooth and safe operation of aviation worldwide is the training of competent and fully qualified ATM staff. However, this essential training faces a multitude of challenges that obstruct accessibility, consume time inefficiently, and impede the goal of the intended outcome – which is fully qualified air traffic management professionals.
Foremost among these challenges is the strict regulatory framework governing ATM training. In the United Kingdom, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) holds the role of the competent authority, responsible for regulating all facets of ATM, including training. While regulation is undeniably vital for maintaining safety and uniform standards, it often presents highly specialised requirements, and consequentially poses barriers to entry for ‘generic’ training providers. This regulatory environment tends to limit the diversity of training options available to both aspiring and experienced air traffic controllers, or their employers, leading to limited market dynamics and a lack of innovation in the training sector.
The structure and delivery methods of ATM training have long been a source of frustration to many. Established training providers often only offer training at their respective local training facilities, necessitating the release of staff for longer periods to allow for travel. This approach, while rooted in the need for comprehensive training, is time-consuming and disruptive, as it can interfere with the normal operations of ATM units more than the training alone would require. Due to the stringent regulatory framework which often manifests as a reluctance or barrier to change any proposed alterations to delivery structure and methodology often fail to evolve from anything greater than an idea.
Instead of allowing discussion and flexibility in the delivery of training, the CAA appears to be reluctant to move away from proven teaching methods, in this case, full scale Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulators, as the established tool to date. Simulators are valuable in providing realistic training scenarios for trainees and ATCOs for the purpose of training in the operational environment. However, they can limit the choice of training providers and, physically and organisationally complicate the delivery of training where the focus is on other aspects, such as the teaching of instructors or assessors. Furthermore, each training course must gain approval for delivery with a specific simulation environment. This adds further layers of intricacy to an already stringent process of course development.
The culmination of these issues manifests in a multitude of constraints with limited, costly, and complicated ATM training across the board, often proving challenging for ATM Units, who are forced to send staff away for training programmes if and when they can even secure them. In the UK, for example, only one commercial provider for a long time stood as the primary source of ATM training courses, but capacity is restricted and requires on-site attendance. Consequently, training opportunities remain scarce. This creates bottlenecks in the ATCO and staff qualification process, increasing complexity and complications, as well as cost. Ultimately, these challenges can be traced back to the rigid regulatory landscape and framework that continues to permit a controlled monopoly of ATM training through the complicit delivery of antiquated methods.
Our offering
To address varied ATM training needs and transform how training is provided in the UK, we have developed our own training portfolio here at Air Navigation Solutions. Having launched our programme earlier this year, the offering today already includes On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI) and OJTI refresher training, Human Factors (HF) training, Team Resource Management (TRM) courses, Investigator training, and Risk Management training. These varied programmes cover the most common demands of any ATM Unit for recurring training, and our approach ensures that the training meets the needs of diverse ATM Units, rather than following a one-size-for-all system. ANSL looks to offer flexible commercial and delivery models wherever possible to ensure that our customers’ individual needs are met. The distinctiveness of our programme lies in our commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for both customer and trainee, and attempting to break down the existing hurdles in place.
As the catalyst for change and a disruptor in the ATM industry, we have opted for a forward-looking approach, harnessing technology to redefine the training landscape. By transitioning substantial portions of our training content to state-of-the-art online platforms, we can make our training materials easily accessible and manageable for both instructors and trainees. Modern teaching tools and techniques, such as AI avatars, are integrated to enhance the learning experience and are built around the core expertise required for each respective course.
Furthermore, upon listening to feedback from within the industry, we have developed training solutions focused on customer-site training whenever possible. Incorporating a mobile simulator where applicable, we ensure that even sim-based courses can be delivered at a customer’s site without the need to adapt or utilise any local simulators. This approach reduces travel time and ensures that the training aligns seamlessly with the specific needs and operational requirements of each ATM unit. Our programmes alleviate wasted costs for the customer and grant them greater flexibility by allowing them to tailor their training package.
What could be possible
ANSL took a first step to address ATM training challenges during COVID. We looked for solutions to continue effective training by developing and introducing the first Tower Unit Validity Course (UVC) in the UK. The use of simulators in all phases of a pilot’s training had been widespread practice in the cockpit. However, ATM simulator-based training was limited to the initial training and not commonly accepted for formal practical and validation training. Air traffic controllers undergo initial training at colleges, followed by unit-specific training, which normally excludes simulator use. The introduction of our UVC course represented a ground-breaking shift towards simulators being integrated throughout the practical On-the-Job Training (OJT) phase. The UVC combines the advantages of simulators—such as the ability to present the ATCO with exactly the level and complexity of traffic required for the stage of training — with real-life tower experience. This approach reduces training durations, increases predictability in training schedules, and enables early identification of issues. ANSL received approval and introduced a UVC at Gatwick Airport, introducing this efficient and effective training route for use at the world’s busiest single runway operation.
While in some cases we promote the introduction of simulators into operational and Unit training, another facet of ANSL’s approach is to explore the deliberate removal of simulators from certain training programmes where we believe they are not the best tool. An example of this strategic shift is our exploration of ATC simulator alternatives for OJTI courses. In this specific instance, the objective is to focus on the teaching of instructors rather than training ATCOs in the ATC profession. This can be achieved more efficiently and cost-effectively, using tools other than ATC Simulators.
Such innovative approaches, however, require the buy-in of regulators, who have historically been hesitant and sceptical. This reluctance underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to deliver meaningful change.
Although some progress has been made to innovate ATM training, there is work to do to achieve the transformation that we believe is required. Our goal is to shift the training environment towards a world where ATM training is simple, flexible, and cost-effective. We believe in opening the market, shifting away from the rigid in-person delivery approach to modern, effective tools that can adapt to evolving standards and requirements. The benefits of this approach are more than just flexible access, and cost and time efficiency. However, this change can only fully materialise when regulatory authorities acknowledge their current stance is impeding progress and stifling innovation and the position evolution of the training environment. Instead of resisting the prospect of embracing new approaches, it is crucial that the huge benefits of embracing change are recognised. The regulators must adopt a more flexible perspective on training methodologies within the existing framework.
The challenges currently facing ATM training ultimately presenting our industry with a qualification backlog – are substantial, but not insurmountable. In response, the industry must show willingness to evolve through flexibility and innovation and divert from its unwavering dedication to the status quo. Through innovation, technology, and collaboration, the aviation industry can no doubt create a training environment that is accessible, efficient, and capable of producing fully qualified air traffic management professionals who can ensure the continued safety and efficiency of air travel.
The future of ATM training is one of transformation, and ANSL is paving the way for the journey toward this goal, extending an open invitation for all those wishing to foster innovation and improved learning experiences and encouraging everyone to consider the possibilities.