This is a sub-article on the Safety Issue of "Skills and Knowledge Degradation" that specifically addresses the aerodrome operations and ground handling community. It support the latest EASA Guidelines for ATCO skills that was published on 1 June 2021.
Some Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) specific challenges
During this period of reduced activity, ATCOs are expected to experience reduced currency and potentially, competency, should the period be prolonged. ATCOs may not be able to maintain their operational skills during COVID-19 lockdown period due to:
- Low levels of traffic resulting in limited number of ATCO duty shifts and hours in position.
- Exposure to different traffic patterns, modes of operations, e.g. medical flights and aircraft with different performance specifications.
- Additional local constraints.
In addition, ATCOs are required to be up to date with the latest changes in airspace and procedures after an extended period of absence by following a conversion training course, a briefing (self-briefing) on the specific changes and/or an on-the job period for re-accommodation.
The key concern for this profession is the pace at which ATCOs can regain the necessary currency and/or competences to adapt to higher levels of traffic. This concerns the frequency at which training, both OJT and classroom, can be organised and conducted in a manner which complies with prevailing health restrictions. A thorough assessment of remote training alternatives should be done based on the following scenarios:
Gradual recovery
If the traffic recovery is smooth, daily practice could help in refreshing competences, complemented by theoretical and practical training about the less common scenarios, including unusual runway configurations and high demand. In this scenario, there will be months of reduced demand, less operational needs and more availability of training hours along the year. However, the lower levels of traffic will likely be an impediment in fulfilling the unit endorsement requirements required in normal circumstances. It should also be considered to introduce shift patterns that allow more staff to remain current.
Rapid recovery
Any sudden recovery would imply inadequate time for ATCOs to readapt to new working conditions without specific training actions and/or mitigating measures (e.g. ATFM measures, opening of more sectors to distribute the traffic more evenly, etc). In addition, rapid recovery increases the difficulty in forecasting traffic which reduces the ANSP’s ability to plan, organise necessary training and roster sufficient ATCOs to meet the operational demands.
On the Job Training (OJT)
Another key concern is the erosion of OJT Instructors’ competence after a prolonged period of not providing On-the-Job-Training (OJTs) to ATCO trainees as little or no OJT is conducted during this period. On-the-job training may go on but performance levels cannot be achieved due to lack of traffic. In addition to this, the mode of operation in which an instructor is providing OJT may not be fully compatible with the physical distancing measures. This concern is also valid for competence assessors. Emphasis should be given to these professionals retaining their own ATC skills.
What you can do as an ANSP?
During periods of low traffic:
- Organise refresher training on simulators for operational matters such as procedures and recent changes
- Implement tactical rostering which takes into account ATCO experience and skills
- Roster simulator sessions with high traffic loads as part of regular shifts
- Ensure Assessors and OJT Instructor (OJTIs) retain the competence through refresher training and prioritising them on shift
As traffic increases (to consider in addition to the best practices for low traffic):
- Modify the roster to increase number of ATCOs on shift every day or shortening of the shifts on duty
- Ensure sufficient stand-by shifts
What can you do as an ATCO?
- Ask for simulator session or OJT hours when you doubt your competence.
- Brief yourself thoroughly before each shift.
- Do not leave inexperienced colleagues on their own.
- Use the process within the ANSP if competence is in doubt (e.g.: provisional inability).
Additional reference and material
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Air Operations