Controller’s Automated Workstation

Controller’s automated workstation AWS-C is intended for supplying the controller with information and data necessary for execution of air traffic servicing procedures and for provision of controller interaction with other ATC CAF subsystems. The human-machine interface used in the equipment complies with “Eurocontrol” recommendations.

Air situations displaying is performed on color motions using a palette of 256 colors in digital, analog and coupled modes.

AWS-C performs and screens on a display the following ATC functions:

• displaying of combined radar data in the form of tracks, plots and labels;

• provision of special signaling about conflict situations (hazardous proximity (near-miss) of tracked aircraft with each other and with ground obstructions, aircraft entering into prohibited area);

• formation and display of aircraft extradition vectors for time interval choosen by a controller;

• formation and display of measuring vector for determination of azimuth and range between air or ground objects;

• automatic formation and displaying of a list of losses in case if tracked aircraft leave zones of radar visibility;

• formation and displaying of aircraft waiting list;

• automated reception and handing over of aircraft for control between adjacent ATC sectors; - automatic displaying of signals “Emergency”, “Communication failure’, “Highjack” or code “2000” arrived via SSR channel;

• automatic displaying of signals “Emergency”, “Friend”, arrived via IFF radar channel if available;

• manual entry into tracking label of aircraft flight data received through radio exchange channel “Controller-Pilot” and on-line interaction channels.

Graphic system of AWS-C equipment provides:

• to input and to form up to 30 simultaneously displayable maps, to edit, to record and to print data of cartographic files;

• to change smoothly displaying scale or to move image center, quickly exclude or include for displaying any kind of information, to customize on-the-fly the color palette for displaying data of static and dynamic situation.

The functional purpose of controller’s workstation is variable depending upon current tasks (ACC, Aerodrome Control Tower etc.).

Simulator Training of Aviation Specialists

Simulator training is a compulsory part in the teaching process while preparing aviation specialists. The main goals and tasks of the simulator training are – to develop habits and skills organized in all branches of our enterprise in order to solve it. Simulator center is a special teaching training complex. There are highly qualified and experienced instructors and operators there. The instructors help the controllers in controlling air traffic.

The instructors create not only the standard situations in the air and on board the aircraft, but non-standard ones. They develop their professional habits and skills while controlling air traffic under emergency conditions. It is easier to do it at the simulator than in reality.

With the help of special devices you can create any different conditions:

Rain, icing, fog, emergency situation such as engine failure, fire, aircraft depressurization, and so on. A controller has to be ready to understand the situation quickly and to give the necessary instructions to a pilot what to do.

The air traffic controllers use the English language while communicating with the aircraft. The number of foreign aircraft operating international service is constantly increasing. Radio telephony phraseology, which is based on English, is an integral part of a controller’s job.

The requirements concerning English are constantly increasing from year to year.

Simulator training practice is necessary and compulsory for all ATC specialists. It helps ATC not to be confused in any critical situations but to find correct and right decisions in this or that situation. A controller is responsible for the safety of flights. It means that we entrust him with our lives.

With air traffic growing at an unprecedented rate throughout the world, and a dramatic shortage of qualified air traffic controllers, quality ATC training is imperative. Simulation has to go beyond a simple computer game consisting of few conflicting aircraft. Complete simulation needs to include all of the factors, which are present in actual ATC facilities. It is now essential to teach controllers how to manage airspace, communicate with other aircraft and agencies, use flight strips and work within a team.

Simulator training program meets ICAO standards and recommended practices.