The FAA Academy (AMA) is proud to report that a Significant Strategic Initiative (15C.89N2-Air Traffic Control (ATC) Training) is now complete. The initiative, being implemented by the Air Traffic Division (AMA-500), expands en route training capacity by developing an emulation of en route ATC training using the Academy’s SIGNAL Software. This provides a cost effective and innovative solution to increase the training capacity for newly hired en route air traffic controllers.
A prior hiring freeze resulted in a significant increase in controller hiring and training requirements for FY-15. The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) requirements included hiring 978 en route controllers, yet the Academy’s capacity was 738. Several solutions were explored including delivering AMA training at field facilities and/or the William J. Hughes Technical Center or procuring a vendor-delivered En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) Test and Training Lab. While those ideas were being considered, the Academy devised a solution to keep training in house and deliver the required additional seats.
To accomplish this, AMA constructed another lab using parts recovered from the Tech Center and field facilities and developed software that fully emulated the ERAM Test and Training Labs in the field. This solution was presented to ATO and was adopted. The solution included development of an ERAM lab using AMA’s Simulation, and Integration of Ground, Network, and Air Links (SIGNAL) Software. Academy personnel from the NAS Technical Services Division, AMA-900, provided key support by acquiring and assembling the full-fidelity lab in just over 18 months.
The first air traffic students to use the new lab began training in April 2015, and two classes have now been completed. Classes will continue throughout the year. This effort increases the number of en route training sectors by 30% and student capacity over 200 annually, enabling the Academy to meet the Agency’s en route hiring goals well into the future. In addition, the Academy solution will be far less expensive than delivering training at a remote location or procuring a new ERAM laboratory.
Ken Kurdziel, Manager, CBI & Curriculum Support Section, AMA-520A, successfully led this high visibility project. Ken was rewarded for his outstanding leadership with a Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center Pathfinder Award in the “Manager/Supervisor” category.
