Airservices air traffic control graduates take to the skies

Airservices has enhanced the delivery of safe and efficient air traffic control following the graduation of 38 new controllers from a 24-month intensive program that has given them the skills to manage the safe and efficient flow of aircraft into, out of, and across Australian airspace.

The Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control), completed at Airservices Learning Academy, has enabled the graduating controllers to learn in state-of-the-art training facilities including a 360 degree full immersion air traffic control tower simulator.

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

“The tower simulator uses large screens to depict the views out of the tower windows and simulate aircraft, vehicles, and weather conditions including lightning to provide realistic scenarios for our air traffic control trainees.

“These graduates come from a diverse range of backgrounds and include six women. They are commencing with Airservices at an exciting time as we prepare the Australian aviation industry for one of the greatest changes in air traffic management with our OneSKY Australia program,” Ms Spurr said.

Graduate Michael Baker is the recipient of the Don Charlwood Award, an award presented to the most outstanding graduate, demonstrating technical and professional excellence. Michael works in Melbourne Tower.

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

“This latest group of graduating controllers will help implement safety enhancements and measures that reduce delays for passengers, improve efficiency and reduce fuel burn for airline customers.

“Placements throughout their training have provided the graduates with vital practical experience and I congratulate them on their graduation and welcome them to Airservices,” Mr Hood said.

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