FABEC learning seminar puts emphasis on digital skills and competency training

Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC) Training Task Force hosted a learning and competency seminar to address controller training and maintenance of skills on 8-9 June 2022 at a hybrid event at Geneva Airport and online.

More than 40 delegates met in-person and dozens more attended online to talk about the importance of maintaining staff qualifications and ensuring sufficient trained controllers and other operational staff are available to manage rising passenger demand. Participants discussed the expansion in digital and online platforms, the introduction of new teaching methods during COVID-19, and changing industry needs.

Key topics discussed included future skill requirements, for example to support new unmanned airspace users, and the expansion in digital tools and integrated services. Training experts, senior executives and controllers emphasised the need for continued recruitment and training activity in response to rising airspace demand and increased automation.

Head of Skyguide Training Academy Chris Lareida said: “FABEC already operates some of Europe’s busiest sectors, and complexity has increased since the invasion of Ukraine. To prepare for the return of pre-pandemic traffic volume – forecast next year by Eurocontrol(1) – controllers use advanced simulation and training tools to ensure flights continue to transit safely and efficiently through FABEC airspace.”

Chairman FABEC Training Task Force Andreas Sauerwein said: “We introduced advanced training tools and expanded our competency training capability during the pandemic. We also focused on recruitment activity in anticipation of traffic recovery and now we look forward to new and exciting opportunities arising from the Commission’s Digital European Sky initiative. By sharing our knowledge and experience, FABEC members can prepare for the next challenge.”

The event is available online under following links:
Day 1: https://youtu.be/r__L9quZkqM
Day 2: https://youtu.be/XjLQx_9UIRw

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