Simulator training of aviation specialists

Simulator training is a compulsory part in the teaching process while preparing aviation specialists. The main goals and tasks of the simulator training are - to develop students’ habits and skills to work and to control air traffic in real situation. Simulator centre is a special teaching training complex. There are highly qualified and experienced instructors and operators there. The instructors help the future controllers in controlling air traffic. Because the theoretical programme that the students get in the class is not enough, it is necessary to have a regular training practice. The instructors create not only the standard situations in the air and on board the aircraft, but non-standard ones. The students develop their professional habits and skills while controlling air traffic under emergency conditions. It is easier to do it at the simulator than in reality. With the help of special devices you can create any different conditions rain, icing, fog, emergency situations such as: engine failure, fire, aircraft pressurization, and so on. A controller has to be ready to understand the situation quickly and to give the necessary instructions to a pilot what to do. Students ‘talk’ to the pilots of aircraft through the communications system giving them the commands and instructions.

The students use English phraseology while communicating with the aircraft. The number of foreign aircraft operating international service is constantly increasing. English phraseology is an integral part of a controller’s job. The requirements concerning English are constantly increasing from year to year. A great number of academic hours are devoted to the simulator training according to curriculum at the educational establishments. Simulator training practice is necessary and compulsory for all ATC specialists. It helps the students not to be confused in any critical and difficult situations but to find correct and right decisions in this or that situation. A controller is responsible for the safety of flights. It means that we entrust him with our lives.

With air traffic growing at an unprecedented rate throughout the world, and a dramatic shortage of qualified air traffic controllers, quality ATC training is imperative. Simulation has to go beyond a simple computer game consisting of a few conflicting aircraft. Complete simulation needs to include all of the factors, which are present in actual ATC facilities. It is now essential to teach potential controllers how to manage airspace, communicate which other aircraft and agencies, use his flight strips and work within a team.

Simulator training programme meets international ICAO standards and recommended practices.

Questions:

1. Is simulator training necessary in preparation of aviation specialists?

1. What are the main goals of simulator training?

1. What can you say about the simulator personnel?

1. Is it necessary to know English and phraseology while communicating?

1. In what way does simulator help a controller in his future career?

1. How many hours did you work at the simulator centre?

1. Do you think it is necessary to have simulator training practice?