New centre ensures best start for air traffic controllers of the future

A new state of the art training centre for air traffic controllers was officially opened this week at NATS’ headquarters in Hampshire, UK.

Jim French, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Flybe, officially opened the multi-million pound facility in a ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries.

The new centre is a 4000 square metre state-of-the-art resource that will train air traffic controllers from the UK and from across the world. With six simulator rooms accommodating up to 45 trainee positions, the centre boasts a 3D aerodrome simulator which recreates an airport control tower environment with aircraft manoeuvring, landing and taking off, ensuring the best possible learning experience for air traffic controllers of the future.

Simulations to help shape the future design of UK airspace and beyond, as well as trials of new tools to help controllers deal with future increases in traffic, will also be carried out from the centre.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Mr French said: “This is a very significant and timely investment which is a clear demonstration by NATS to ensure the ongoing development and expansion of its business and to ensure that there is a continuous supply of highly trained Air Traffic Controllers coming into the company.” NATS Chief Executive Richard Deakin said: “This is a very proud day for NATS. Opening this fantastic new
	Jim French (right) and Richard Deakin at the 180º aerodrome simulator in the training college.
facility truly cements our status as a world class air traffic control provider and a world class training organisation.”

NATS, which is the UK’s leading air traffic control company, provides air traffic control from its centres at Swanwick in Hampshire and Prestwick in Ayrshire. NATS also provides air traffic control services at 15 of the nation's major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, together with air traffic services at Gibraltar Airport.

The new training facility replaces the former air traffic control training college at Hurn in Bournemouth. The project, which began in earnest in 2008, has been delivered on budget and more than four months earlier than expected.

Factfile:

• There are 4 intakes of NATS trainees each year. Each intake has about 30 students

• NATS has 2000 controllers

• On average, students spend a year at the College

• Trainees come from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages - former military personnel, university graduates, school leavers and people looking for a change of career

• Trainees get paid £11,300 to train

• The pass rate is about 75%

• On average it costs about £200k to train a controller through the college phase of their training

• Simulations to help shape the future design of UK airspace and beyond, as well as trials of new tools to help controllers deal with future increases in traffic, will also be carried out at the training facility, thus future-proofing training capability for emerging technologies

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 29th September 2011 | Issue #144

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