Course aim

This course gives students from non-European Air Navigation Service Providers the knowledge and skills they need to work as Air Traffic Controllers in an Approach Control Procedural environment and Area Control Procedural environment. The course can also serve as further Rating training for Air Traffic Controllers who have been active for several years. Students who pass the course may apply for an ICAO APP ACP Student Air Traffic Controller License.

After completing this course, the students:

• Have knowledge and understanding in accordance with the topics and sub-topics detailed in ICAO Annex 1.
• Have skills to perform Approach Procedural Control and Area Procedural Control Service in an approach control procedural environment and in an area control procedural environment safely, expeditiously, orderly, and according to rules and regulations.
• Have knowledge of the importance of teamwork and of human factors related issues that can affect personal and team performance.

Course structure

The standard course is approximately 5 weeks in duration. Approximately 6 days of the course focuses on theoretical knowledge and team-building activities.

Theoretical training
We deliver the theoretical part of the course through a blend of classroom training, group work, and discussions. Throughout the course, eLearning elements allow a flexible learning environment as students can participate in these lessons online. During the theoretical training, the students develop teamwork skills that help them perform in the practical training in the simulator.

Simulator training
The practical simulator training is divided into phases, to allow the students to slowly develop their skills. Students first master individual skills for topics mentioned under ‘Content in Brief’, after which we gradually introduce exercises with more complex situations, more traffic, and new elements (such as unusual and emergency events).

The practical training in the procedural simulator is conducted in a generic airspace with one active airport and an adjacent area control center with radar service.

Content in brief

The course covers topics such as, but not limited to:

• Vertical, longitudinal, time-based, distance-based, VOR lateral, and RNAV separations.
• Separation to holding airspace.
• Holdings.
• Unusual events and emergencies.

Prerequisites

• Completion of our Air Traffic Control Assistant/Basic Induction, ICAO 051 course, or equivalent.
• Completion of our Area Control with Radar, ICAO 054 and Approach Control with Radar, ICAO 054 courses or equivalent, or completion of our Aerodrome Control, ICAO 052 course or equivalent.

Compliance with regulations

The course is compliant with ICAO standards and recommended practices.