Air Traffic Control Services Report | Case Study

December 10, 2024-Case Studies-, , -

Air Traffic Control Services Report | Case Study by Wael Bakdash

Introduction to Air Traffic Management

Aircraft that are cruising, climbing, descending, circling, or even being stationary on the ground shall be always monitored, and controlled and the aircraft commander shall obey all rules imposed. Just like cars having rules imposed to increase safety levels and minimize accidents to the lowest levels possible, air transportation has similar procedures however in a stricter way. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), which is an organization responsible for creating rules and regulations for aviation with the aim of enhancing safety security efficiency, and regularity, has published procedures concerning air traffic flow management called

PANS-ATM (Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Air Traffic Management) in ICAO Doc 4444, is written primarily for Air Traffic controllers. Figure 1 can briefly explains the categories included in this document and what it exactly targets.

Air traffic control aims to move the aircraft in a safe and efficient way through the airspace, and also on the ground. There are many techniques used by controllers to ensure safety like – the usage of specific airways, maintaining a safe distance between aircraft, …etc. Air traffic control services provide navigational aid, flight planning and in-flight advisory information, and air traffic control. The services may be provided through one or more.

Objectives of Air Traffic Control Services

  • Full Air Traffic Service provided by ATCU in which they give instructions advice and information for operational and safety purposes
  • Flight Information Service is a non-radar service that provides information about weather – service facilities – the condition of a particular aerodrome – and any information that will maximize safety. It is usually used by VFR pilots.
  • Alerting Service is usually used to notify the appropriate organization about an aircraft believed to be in need of rescue – aid – search – assist.

 

One of the most important parts of air traffic control services is air traffic flow management also known as ATFM, which is a service that contributes to providing safe orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic while also ensuring that the ATC capacity is maximized as much as possible. Not only this, but also ATFM predicts and forecasts traffic levels and demand, if they see that traffic cannot be accommodated by the current ATC capabilities restrictions will be applied, by delaying aircraft that are still on the ground. These measures are frequent and usually happen during peak seasons in Europe.

 

One of the most well-known ATFM is Eurocontrol, founded in the 1960s, and has 41 member states shown in Figure 2 including Turkey. The aim of Eurocontrol is to have an organization that is completely responsible for the upper space in Europe. Eurocontrol has five strategic priorities – safety, capacity as already mentioned previously, efficiency, environment, and security. Eurocontrol headquarters is in Brussels, Germany. Also, in Brussels is Eurocontrol’s central flow management unit, central route, and charges office. The upper area control center is located in Maastricht, the experimental center is located in Brétigny-sur-Orge, and the Institute of Air Navigation Services is located in Luxemburg. Eurocontrol has more than 2200 people employed in different fields, the question is what are the requirements and how to become an air traffic controller in Eurocontrol.

One of the ways to work with Eurocontrol is to join their training program, Eurocontrol looks for students who are passionate and have spatial skills to train. Eurocontrol will pay for the training and will also pay a monthly allowance during the learning duration. Once the training is completed the student can start pursing their careers with Eurocontrol.

 

If you don’t want to join their training and you already have the training required, here are the requirements to join Eurocontrol as an air traffic controller:

requirements to join Eurocontrol as an air traffic controller

  • Must be a citizen of any of the 41 member states
  • Must be fluent in English
  • Must be physically and mentally healthy, have good vision and hearing
  • Obtain the necessary education and training, to be an air traffic controller you should have a solid understanding of aviation principles and procedures. This could be achieved by training programs, which as mentioned already Eurocontrol provide. Eurocontrol offers a number of training programs, including a college degree in air traffic control and a vocational training program for those with a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Once you have obtained the necessary education and training you can apply for a position as air traffic control with Eurocontrol. The application process will involve a series of tests and assessments to determine your suitability for the role.
  • Once your application has been successfully completed, you will have to complete an on-the-job training. This will involve a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience, during which you will learn the specific skills and knowledge required to work as an air traffic controller.

 

In conclusion, to become an air traffic controller in Eurocontrol you will need a combination of education, training and experience. The work and training can be challenging and tough, however the reward of working in this important and exciting field can make it well worth the effort.

 

Flight Dispatchers:

Generally, flight dispatcher performs all the flight planning for the operation of flights in the interest of safety and efficiency and monitors the flight throughout the flight. They work closely with the pilots, air traffic controllers, and other personals to ensure that flights are safe, efficient, and operate according to schedule.

The main activities of flight dispatchers include the following:

  • Analyze the weather conditions and any other factors that could adversely affect the safe and efficient conduct of flight
  • Create the flight plans and update them based on the aircraft type used, destination, passenger, and cargo load
  • Communicate with the pilots and all related personnel to coordinate flight operations, and ensure that the required information are exchanged
  • Monitor the flight and inform the crew of any adjustments so that the flight stays on schedule
  • Coordinate with the ground crew to ensure that all preparations are done for the flight
  • Maintain all records and documents related to flight operations such as flight plans, weather reports, …etc

Also, flight dispatchers are responsible for monitoring all activities including – cleaning, refueling, loading baggage and cargo, and getting close contact with the crew of the flight and technicians so that the aircraft will be prepared for take-off at the right time without delays.

 

 flight dispatcher requirements:

  • Must be at least 23 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be physically and mentally fit with good vision and hearing
  • Must have the necessary education and training, some airlines or organizations provide this required education and training for flight dispatchers, or you can choose to enroll in a university program that provides related aviation programs (e.g., B.Sc. Aviation Management).
  • Must have the required certifications, certificates can be obtained from the relevant aviation authority in a country (e.g., SHGM), however, you will have to pass written and oral exams to qualify
  • Once all certificates are obtained you can look for a job. Jobs can be with an airline, aviation companies, or other third-party companies that provide dispatching services to airlines or aviation companies (e.g., business jets)

 

In conclusion, flight dispatching is an interesting job as it will provide a promising growth opportunity and help you understand and gain more experience in the aviation industry.

 

Aviation is a big industry, and maintaining its safety it is a hard task that’s why we have qualified and trained people who are willing to work in these hard and stressful conditions the air traffic controllers. Air traffic controllers use a variety of tools like radars, radio communications, and visual observations. They also ensure the aircraft movement and maintain a safe distance between aircraft and other obstacles. They are also responsible for issuing instructions to pilots about take-off and landing clearances, altitude adjustments, and other routing updates and adjustments. Also, they provide weather updates and weather reports to pilots during landing and prior to departure.

 

The job of an air traffic controller requires a high level of skill, training, and concentration. They must be able to communicate effectively, make quick and accurate decisions, and remain calm under pressure. They are a vital part of the aviation industry, and their expertise and skills are essential to the safe operation of flights. Without air traffic controllers it won’t be possible to manage the larger traffic of aircraft both on the ground and most importantly in the skies.

 

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