DOHA: Qatar’s aviation sector is adopting latest technologies and providing the best systems used in this field. This is aimed at achieving the desired goal of building a safe and sustainable civil aviation system in accordance with the highest global standards.
In line with the development plans in the field of aviation in Qatar, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has worked over the past years to enhance its capabilities and implement numerous plans and strategies. Mohammed Al Muhamadi, Head of Development and Training at the Air Navigation Department, highlighted the plans for qualifying air traffic controllers, along with the main adopted and accredited training programmes in a recent Qatar Sky magazine by QCAA.
QCAA has focused on training and qualifying national cadres, adopting various training plans aimed at equipping air traffic controllers with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and safely, in accordance with the highest international and national standards related to air traffic control.
Explaining the areas covered by the Development and Training Section, Al Muhamadi said this section covers several main areas that include theoretical knowledge and practical training for air traffic controllers."We provide theoretical training courses for air traffic controllers to equip them with the necessary knowledge about laws, procedures, and fundamental concepts in the field of air navigation.”
On the practical side, “we offer practical training that enables air traffic controllers to practice the acquired skills in simulation environments that reflect real conditions using available simulation devices. By ensuring the provision of training in both theoretical and practical aspects, we work on improving the skills of air traffic controllers and keeping up with developments in the field of air traffic control, including legal and technological updates, as well as training on emergency situations and exceptional circumstances,” he added.
Elaborating the mechanism for developing the current competencies in the Air Traffic Control Section, Al Muhamadi noted the advancement of current competencies in the Air Traffic Control Section is carried out through several integrated mechanisms, including continuous training and the use of simulators to deal with all scenarios, including emergency and exceptional cases, and focusing on crisis management in such cases.
There is also local and regional training in the field of air traffic control. Effort is also being made to update current controllers’ knowledge of the most important modern methods and systems in the field of air traffic management.
All these mechanisms rely on internationally recognised standards and principles in air traffic management.
They are implemented by qualified and specialised trainers, and the performance of controllers is regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and professional performance.
These mechanisms contribute to building strong capabilities for air traffic controllers and ensuring a safe and sustainable civil aviation system in Qatar.
Underscoring adoption of modern techniques in training, Al Muhamadi discussed the role of simulators in this field.
The simulator plays a crucial role in training operations, as it is used to develop and enhance the skills of controllers and teach them how to handle various scenarios and emergencies that may occur.
Through simulation, controllers can practice managing air traffic in a safe environment. Realistic aircraft, airport models, and weather conditions are used to give them an experience that closely mirrors reality.
This allows for the simulation of a wide range of scenarios, obstacles, and challenges that air traffic controllers may face in actual work, helping them to develop quick and effective decision-making skills, improve their abilities and confidence in performing their job, and enhance overall aviation safety.
Additionally, simulation can be used to train controllers on the standard skills and procedures for managing air traffic, enabling them to practice these procedures and handle real-life situations in a simulated environment before applying them in actual work.
For example, the air traffic control simulator was proactively used in the context of major events, such as World Cup Qatar 2022, which helped in identifying key steps, including requirements and objectives, scenario development, training, testing, and evaluation.
Therefore, the air traffic control simulator effectively contributes to training and full preparedness when the country hosts further major events in the future while ensuring high safety and efficiency, he added.
