Leeds Bradford Airport completes its ATC Simulator upgrade and new 3D Display Installation

Micro Nav Limited has successfully completed the upgrade of the ATC Simulator and the addition of a 3D display system, incorporating its BEST ATC Solution and 3D Image Generator software packages for Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). The project was completed on schedule and to budget.

The installation, completed in April, comprises a Radar and Tower Controller with a pair of Pseudo Pilot positions, a suite of bespoke Aircraft and liveries, all used in a complex terrain that enables a realistic training environment for the Air Traffic Services Team. The plateau-like and undulating location of LBA meant an intricate model was generated which further adds to the realism for the training program for the Air Traffic Services Team at LBA.

The team use the simulator to run changing environment exercises. In particular, and together with the airports location, the airport traffic volume changes dramatically for the summer, and was one of the few airports that recently had to close due to inclement weather.

Work on the software upgrade and preliminary acceptance testing was conducted at Micro Nav, with the final formal acceptance testing carried out and passing in-situ at LBA’s ATC training wing. BEST has been used for a number of years at the airport.

Sales and Marketing Director, Michael Saunders said, “We started speaking to the LBA team at our 2015 BEST User Group with regards to the simulator 3D upgrade. We are delighted that the simulator upgrade has now completed its final acceptance event. The upgrade has been completed, from initial dialogue to acceptance, in collaboration and partnership with Al Siddoway and the team at LBA. All at Micro Nav look forward to working with LBA for years to come.”

Al Siddoway, Head of Air Traffic Services at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport has recently undertaken a major upgrade to its ATC system, including a new Radar Data Processing System, Radar and Voice Recorders and a Radar Approach room at the airport. This simulator 3D upgrade completes this work. In addition, we have also worked closely with Micro Nav to produce a fantastic simulator suite with excellent 3D graphics. At Leeds Bradford Airport we are focused on providing fantastic services and I am really pleased with the quality and delivery of this project, which will make a positive difference to our systems.”