This article describes how ICAO Doc 10057 emphasizes hands-on qualification training for ATSEP and how SkyRadar meets these standards with tailored solutions.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Doc 10057, Manual on Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Competency-based Training and Assessment, provides a comprehensive framework for training Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP). Within Phase 1 (Initial Training), Qualification Training plays a critical role as the bridge between basic training and the advanced, operational skills required for unit training.
Qualification Training, as outlined in ICAO Doc 10057, focuses on developing system-specific and domain-specific competencies across key areas such as Surveillance (SUR), Communication (COM), Navigation (NAV), Data Processing (DPR), and System Monitoring and Control (SMC). This phase requires trainees to go beyond theoretical knowledge, achieving taxonomy levels 3 (application) and 4 (analysis) through practical, hands-on learning.
The Role of Qualification Training in ATSEP Development
Qualification Training builds on the foundational knowledge gained in basic training, introducing trainees to specific systems and domains relevant to their roles. The goal is to equip ATSEP personnel with the skills needed to:
- Operate and manage ATM systems specific to their area of responsibility.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues within these systems.
- Analyze and respond to operational scenarios.
Unlike basic training, which covers general ATM principles, qualification training requires focused, domain-specific instruction. For instance, a trainee specializing in Navigation might learn to operate systems such as VOR and DME, while a Communication trainee focuses on managing VHF and UHF systems, and a Surveillance trainee practices working with primary and secondary radar operations to track and identify targets.
ICAO’s Emphasis on Practical Training
To meet ICAO’s standards for taxonomy levels 3 and 4, Qualification Training must integrate practical, hands-on exercises. These levels require trainees to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios (taxonomy level 3).
- Analyze system behavior to diagnose and resolve issues (taxonomy level 4).
This emphasis on applied learning ensures that ATSEP personnel can perform their duties effectively, even in complex or high-pressure situations. Purely theoretical training is insufficient to meet these objectives. ICAO’s competency-based approach demands practical engagement with systems and tools, making simulation and hands-on training essential.
SkyRadar: Leading the Way in Qualification Training
SkyRadar has established itself as a global leader in providing ATSEP training solutions that align with ICAO Doc 10057. Its tools and systems are specifically designed to address the requirements of Qualification Training in Phase 1 (Initial Training). SkyRadar’s solutions cover all key domains:
- Surveillance (SUR): Simulations of radar operations, including primary and secondary radar systems.
- Communication (COM): Training modules for VHF, UHF, and other communication technologies.
- Data Processing (DPR): Focused on integrating and managing ATM data systems.
- System Monitoring and Control (SMC): Emphasizing centralized system oversight and diagnostics.
- Navigation (NAV) is under development: Hands-on tools for navigation aids such as VOR, DME, and GNSS.
Hands-On Learning with SkyRadar
SkyRadar’s training solutions are built to deliver the practical experience necessary for Qualification Training. By using a combination of simulation tools and real-world system replicas, trainees can:
- Interact directly with radar, communication, and navigation systems.
- Practice diagnosing and resolving system faults.
- Simulate operational scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
For example, SkyRadar’s FreeScopes platform allows trainees to visualize and analyze radar signals, adjust parameters, and troubleshoot issues in real-time. Similarly, its simulation modules for SMC teach trainees to monitor and manage complex ATM systems, providing a realistic preview of their future responsibilities.
Why Practical Training Matters
In the context of Qualification Training, hands-on experience is not just an enhancement—it’s a requirement. Trainees must develop the ability to:
- Operate systems effectively under real-world conditions.
- Respond to system failures and unexpected scenarios.
- Apply critical thinking to analyze and resolve issues.
SkyRadar’s solutions meet these needs by providing an immersive learning environment that mirrors the challenges trainees will face in their roles. By focusing on system-specific competencies, SkyRadar ensures that ATSEP personnel are fully prepared to transition to the operational demands of unit training (Phase 2).
ATM Needs Highly Skilled ATSEP
ICAO Doc 10057 sets a clear standard for Qualification Training within Phase 1 of ATSEP development: trainees must achieve a level of competency that extends beyond theory, mastering practical skills through hands-on learning. SkyRadar’s training solutions align perfectly with these requirements, offering comprehensive tools and systems that address the core domains of Surveillance, Communication, Navigation, Data Processing, and System Monitoring & Control.
As aviation systems grow more complex, the need for highly skilled ATSEP personnel has never been greater. SkyRadar is committed to equipping the next generation of ATSEP with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring compliance with ICAO standards and supporting the safe and efficient management of air traffic worldwide.
Stay Tuned
Stay connected with our ongoing publications on qualification and learning solutions for ATSEP compliant to ICAO Doc 10057 as well as the EU Regulation 2017/373.
