32 trainee air traffic controllers reach key career milestone

Airservices has enhanced the delivery of safe and efficient air traffic control following the graduation in Brisbane of 32 new controllers from a 24-month intensive program that has given them the skills to manage the flow of aircraft into, and out of, and across Australian airspace.

The Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) completed at Airservices Learning Academy, was delivered in state-of-the-art training facilities and simulators, providing the trainees with a realistic and most effective training environment.

The graduates, including eight women, work in the Brisbane en route centre or Brisbane, Cairns, Parafield and Rockhampton towers, having obtained their initial Air Traffic Control licence rating and endorsement over the past six months.

Airservices General Manager Learning Academy, Linda Spurr, said the graduates have spent hundreds of hours in both the classroom and training simulators during their course.

“Airservices is a Registered Training Organisation and the Diploma of Aviation is a nationally recognised qualification developed specifically for the Australian aviation industry. Our Learning Academy operates campuses in both Brisbane and Melbourne,” Ms Spurr said.

The graduates attended a ceremony in Brisbane surrounded by family members and friends. Four families welcomed a second generation of air traffic controllers with one graduate following in the footsteps of both his father and uncle.

Graduate David Ricketts is the recipient of the Don Charlwood Award, an award presented to the most outstanding graduate, demonstrating technical and professional excellence. David works as an en route controller in Brisbane.

Airservices Acting Executive General Manager Air Traffic Control, Michael Snell, said the next generation of air traffic controllers will play a pivotal role in the future of Australian aviation.

“This latest group of new controllers join a team focussed on service delivery and meeting the needs of our customers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Mr Snell said.

“Completion of this extensive training program signals the achievement of their first career milestone and the beginning of what I believe will be a rewarding and challenging career with Airservices. I congratulate them on their graduation and welcome them to Airservices.”

The graduates join more than 1000 Airservices air traffic controllers stationed around the country to keep the skies safe.