Air Traffic Management
Air Traffic Service
Control of air traffic was almost unknown in 1944. Today air traffic services rank high among the indispensable ground support facilities which ensure the safety and efficient operation of air traffic throughout the world.
At Estonian Aviation Academy the speciality of Air Traffic Services has three subspecialities: Air Traffic Control (ATC), Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) and Search and Rescue Service (SAR).
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL is aimed at providing safe, regular and fast air traffic in the air space of the country. Air traffic controllers work at various air traffic units according to their qualifications.
An air traffic controller at an area control unit issues flight permits, provides advice and information to aircraft on long-distance flights. He/she is responsible for keeping the aircraft in the air space well separated, i.e. keeping the required minimal distance between the aircraft in air corridors.
An air traffic controller at an approach control unit is responsible for controlling the air traffic in the air space near the aerodrome. The air traffic controller separates the incoming and outgoing aircraft flows before handing the control over to the aerodrome control unit or the area control unit respectively.
An air traffic controller at an aerodrome control unit is responsible for controlling the traffic in the vicinity of the aerodrome and on the aerodrome. He/she gives advice to taxiing the aircraft, forwards flight permits received from the area control unit to the planes about to take off and separates air traffic on the runways and in the aerodrome air space.
AERODROME FLIGHT INFORMATION SERVICE is aimed at forwarding advice and information required for safe and effective flight on and near an aerodrome of small and medium load. The operator does not control the flight of aircraft, but he/she forwards information for the pilot to take decisions. The information embraces traffic, weather and runway information.
An operator of aerodrome flight information service may also be in charge of meteorological observation, making and forwarding weather reports.
SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICE is aimed at co-ordinated activity of national and municipal structures, voluntary organizations and companies in accident and disaster zones. The goal is to save human lives and material values, and prevent and repair other damage. Search and Rescue Service is also responsible for developing and operating a system of readiness for action.
The objective of a rescue service co-ordinator is to fulfil the above-mentioned tasks in case of emergency. The Rescue Service is alerted even in case of suspected emergency. This is mostly true of civil aviation, where search and rescue operations are started when there is a suspicion of flight emergency.
In acquiring the speciality of Air Traffic Services simulator based training plays a significant role. Simulator is a computer based system in a specially adapted room. There is a mock air traffic controller working position and the movement of an aircraft is depicted either on the PC monitor or by video projectors on a large screen. During the simulator training the student air traffic controller learns to apply rules and procedures acquired previously during the theoretical course. At the same time the fellow students act as pilots. The instructor follows the students performing the task and, if needed, gives instructions.
In addition to simulator based training the curriculum includes practical training in real working positions. The students of the Academy have practiced and got experience in different ATC units of Estonian, Finnish and Swedish airports.