Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) play a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of aviation infrastructure. Their training must comply with ICAO Doc 10057, which mandates high taxonomy levels (typically Level 3 and above) for applied learning. Many traditional training programs fail to meet these requirements, focusing on theoretical instruction rather than practical, hands-on experience.
Aviation academies worldwide must align their programs with ICAO 10057 to ensure compliance, enhance learning outcomes, and produce highly skilled ATSEP professionals. This article introduces the key elements of ICAO-compliant ATSEP training and how simulation-based learning can bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
Remark: In Europe, the EU Regulation 2017/373 embraces the DOC 10057 requirements. We wrote many articles which focus on the specific European needs.
ICAO 10057: Raising the Standards for ATSEP Training
ICAO 10057 defines a structured framework for ATSEP training, emphasizing:
- Initial Training – The foundational knowledge required to understand ATC systems.
- Qualification Training – Hands-on exposure to real-world ATC infrastructure.
- Unit Training – Specialization in specific domains, such as Surveillance (SUR), Communications (COM), Navigation Aids (NAVAIDS), Data Processing (DPR), and System Monitoring & Control (SMC).
The taxonomy levels outlined in ICAO 10057 emphasize a shift from passive learning (Level 1 and 2) to applied learning (Level 3 and above). This means that ATSEPs must be trained through realistic fault scenarios, live diagnostics, and system recovery exercises rather than just classroom-based instruction.
Bringing ATSEP Training to Taxonomy Level 3+ with Hardware and Simulation-Based Learning
Traditional ATSEP training often falls short of ICAO 10057's requirements because it lacks hands-on interaction with real ATC systems. Simulation-based training offers a risk-free environment where trainees can:
✔ Diagnose and resolve system failures in Surveillance Radar (SUR).
✔ Conduct corrective maintenance on NAVAIDS (ILS, DVOR, DME).
✔ Gain hands-on experience in Communication (COM) infrastructures.
✔ Work with virtualized Data Processing (DPR) environments to troubleshoot cybersecurity threats and system errors.
✔ Monitor and manage air traffic control systems through System Monitoring & Control (SMC) platforms.
By using browser-based, scalable, and interactive ATSEP labs, training providers can ensure their programs meet ICAO 10057 standards while improving efficiency and knowledge retention.
The Five Key Domains of ICAO 10057 ATSEP Training
To provide a comprehensive and compliant training program, aviation academies must incorporate five specialized training domains:
- Surveillance (SUR) – Covers Primary and Secondary Radar systems, ADS-B, and multi-sensor tracking.
- Communication (COM) – Ensures ATSEPs can operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HF, VHF, UHF, and digital communication systems.
- Navigation Aids (NAVAIDS) – Focuses on ILS, DVOR, and DME systems, their diagnostics, and corrective maintenance.
- Data Processing (DPR) – Trains ATSEPs in data integrity, system failures, and cybersecurity threats affecting ATC data processing units.
- System Monitoring & Control (SMC) – Develops expertise in real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and system-wide diagnostics for ATC facilities.
How Aviation Academies Can Adopt ICAO 10057 Training
Aviation academies can upgrade their ATSEP training programs by:
- Investing in ICAO-compliant simulation-based labs that support Level 3+ training.
- Using cloud-based and virtualized training environments to allow remote and scalable ATSEP education.
- Providing real-world fault injection exercises to ensure active problem-solving instead of passive learning.
- Integrating domain-specific training for SUR, COM, NAV, DPR, and SMC, ensuring full ICAO 10057 compliance.
Future-Proofing ATSEP Training
ICAO 10057 sets a global benchmark for ATSEP training, ensuring aviation safety through highly skilled personnel. Aviation academies that align their training methodologies with ICAO 10057 will enhance employability, improve safety standards, and future-proof their programs.
In the following articles, we will explore how aviation academies can implement ICAO-compliant training solutions in each key ATSEP domain:
- Surveillance (SUR)
- Communication (COM)
- Navigation Aids (NAVAIDS)
- Data Processing (DPR)
- System Monitoring & Control (SMC)
Do Not Miss Anything
Stay tuned for a deep dive into each of these critical areas! SkyRadar offers the most comprehensive range of ATSEP training solutions worldwide, covering a significant portion of all five key domains in qualification and unit training. Contact us today for a non-binding consultation and discover how we can tailor a solution to meet your specific training needs
