Introduction

In the intricate global aviation network, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Management Systems form the silent, indispensable backbone, orchestrating the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of millions of aircraft annually. As air traffic volumes continue to grow, the demands on these sophisticated systems and the highly skilled professionals who operate them intensify. Any weakness in communication, coordination, or technological infrastructure can have immediate and catastrophic consequences, underscoring the critical importance of robust, resilient, and intelligently managed ATC operations. Mastering the principles and technologies behind modern air traffic management is essential for ensuring aviation safety, optimizing airspace utilization, and maintaining the efficiency of global air travel. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to excel in Air Traffic Control and Management Systems.

This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to empower air traffic controllers, air traffic engineers, airport operations managers, aviation regulators, and technology specialists with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to comprehend, operate, and manage advanced Air Traffic Control and Management Systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of airspace classifications, air traffic flow management, communication protocols, surveillance technologies, and the critical role of automation in modern ATC. The course will delve into topics such as flight planning, separation standards, controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC), radar and ADS-B systems, human factors in ATC, and the future of air traffic management (e.g., SESAR, NextGen). By mastering the principles and methodologies of Air Traffic Control and Management Systems, participants will be prepared to enhance operational safety, optimize airspace efficiency, and contribute to the seamless functioning of the global aviation industry.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Air Traffic Controllers (trainee or experienced seeking advanced knowledge)
• Air Traffic Control Managers and Supervisors
• Air Traffic Engineers and Technicians
• Aviation Regulators and Inspectors
• Airport Operations Managers
• Airline Operations Control Center Personnel
• Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Specialists
• Aviation Consultants
• Research and Development Professionals in ATM
• New entrants to the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) sector

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and objectives of Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• Learn various airspace classifications and their operational implications.
• Acquire knowledge of air traffic flow management (ATFM) strategies and tools.
• Comprehend the role of communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems in ATC.
• Explore techniques for ensuring aircraft separation in different flight phases.
• Understand the importance of automation and human factors in modern ATM.
• Gain insights into flight planning and air traffic services (ATS).
• Learn about contingency planning and emergency procedures in ATC.
• Examine international standards and best practices for ATM.
• Develop an understanding of future air traffic management concepts (e.g., SESAR, NextGen).
• Enhance critical decision-making skills for safe and efficient air traffic operations.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Air Traffic Management (ATM)

• Evolution of Air Traffic Control: history and key milestones.
• The purpose and objectives of ATM: safe, orderly, expeditious flow.
• Stakeholders in ATM: ICAO, ANSPs, airlines, airports, military.
• Overview of the components of ATM: ATC, ATFM, AIS, MET.
• The global air navigation system concept.

Module 2: Airspace Classifications and Structure

• Understanding ICAO airspace classifications (Class A-G).
• Controlled vs. Uncontrolled airspace.
• Special Use Airspace: Restricted, Prohibited, Danger Areas.
• Airspace structure: vertical and horizontal limits, flight levels.
• Charting and mapping conventions for airspace.

Module 3: Air Traffic Services (ATS)

• Types of ATS: Air Traffic Control (ATC), Flight Information Service (FIS), Alerting Service.
• Role of Area Control Centers (ACC), Approach Control (APP), and Aerodrome Control (TWR).
• VFR (Visual Flight Rules) vs. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations.
• Separation standards: vertical, lateral, longitudinal separation.
• Procedures for special flights and emergencies.

Module 4: Communication Systems in ATM

• Air-ground communication: VHF/UHF radio communication.
• Phraseology and communication discipline in ATC.
• Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC): benefits and operation.
• Ground-ground communication between ATC units.
• Emergency communication procedures.

Module 5: Navigation Systems in ATM

• Traditional navigation aids: VOR, DME, NDB.
• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): GPS, GLONASS, Galileo.
• Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP).
• Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) concepts.
• Future navigation technologies and their integration.

Module 6: Surveillance Systems in ATM

• Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR).
• Transponder codes and their significance.
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B): principles and benefits.
• Multilateration (MLAT) systems.
• Fusion of surveillance data for enhanced air situational awareness.

Module 7: Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM)

• Objectives of ATFM: balancing demand and capacity.
• ATFM measures: ground delay programs, reroutes, ground stops.
• Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) in ATFM.
• Role of flow management units and regional coordination centers.
• Impact of weather and special events on air traffic flow.

Module 8: Flight Planning and Clearance Procedures

• Understanding flight plan components and format (ICAO flight plan).
• Submission and processing of flight plans.
• Issuing ATC clearances: routes, altitudes, speeds.
• Amending and cancelling flight plans.
• Pre-tactical and tactical flight planning.

Module 9: ATC Automation and Support Tools

• Automation in ATC systems: flight data processing, conflict detection.
• Electronic flight strips and controller working positions.
• Advanced Safety Nets: Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA), Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW).
• Air Traffic Management (ATM) automation systems overview.
• Human-machine interface (HMI) design considerations.

Module 10: Human Factors in Air Traffic Control

• Stress, fatigue, and workload management for controllers.
• Decision-making under pressure and cognitive biases.
• Teamwork and communication in the ATC operational room.
• The impact of automation on controller performance and vigilance.
• Human error prevention and mitigation strategies.

Module 11: Safety Management Systems (SMS) in ATM

• Principles of SMS applied to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).
• Hazard identification and risk assessment in ATM operations.
• Safety performance monitoring and measurement.
• Incident and accident investigation within an ATM SMS context.
• Promoting a just culture and safety reporting.

Module 12: Contingency Planning and Emergency Procedures

• Developing ATM contingency plans for system failures, natural disasters, and security threats.
• Procedures for handling aircraft emergencies: engine failure, fire, unlawful interference.
• Coordination with search and rescue (SAR) services.
• Communication protocols during emergencies.
• Post-incident recovery and debriefing.

Module 13: ATM Security and Resilience

• Cybersecurity threats to ATM systems: ransomware, DDoS, GPS spoofing.
• Protecting critical ATM infrastructure and data.
• Physical security of ATC facilities.
• Measures to ensure the resilience and redundancy of ATM systems.
• Collaboration with national cybersecurity agencies.

Module 14: International Collaboration and Regulatory Oversight

• Role of ICAO in setting international ATM standards.
• Regional ATM organizations (e.g., Eurocontrol, CANSO).
• National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) and their oversight of ANSPs.
• Auditing and compliance verification for ATM systems.
• Global harmonization efforts for seamless air traffic flow.

Module 15: Future Air Traffic Management Concepts

• SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) and NextGen (US Next Generation Air Transportation System) initiatives.
• Free Route Airspace (FRA) and optimized trajectory management.
• Space-Based ADS-B and satellite-based ATM.
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and drone integration into ATM.
• AI and Machine Learning in future ATM decision support.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training