Guide to Air Traffic Control Equipment Education and Training

Learn how to maintain and repair air traffic control system devices and equipment

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about air traffic control supplies and equipment from the air force, military or FAA

One of the ways to get training and education in order to use air traffic control tower equipment is to enlist in the United States Air Force or the United States Army. You will get hands-on training to learn how to properly use, maintain and repair air traffic control mandatory equipment and supplies. The FAA (Federal Aviation Association) also has training information and educational resources available to help air traffic equipment repair persons and mechanics.

I recommend: Become an air traffic controls operations apprentice after you enlist in the U.S. Air Force to get training on how to use air traffic equipment and supplies. Learn how to use portable air traffic control equipment and other types of air traffic controller equipment after you enlist with the U.S. Army to become an air traffic control equipment repairer. Visit the (Federal Aviation Association) FAA Safety Team online library to get information about air traffic safety and equipment.

Attend aviation schools to learn about air traffic controller equipment usage and maintenance

Another way to get training to use air traffic equipment is by taking classes at colleges and aviation schools. Students receive a full overview of the duties of an air traffic controller or repairer as well as learn how to use radar and meteorology equipment.

I recommend: Take the Air Traffic training courses at Metropolitan State College of Denver's Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science or take classes at Air Traffic Controller Exam. Both of these schools teach students how to use and maintain air traffic supplies and equipment such as voice switches, approach control and tower automation. Use the Directory of Schools and the Flight School List.com to find air traffic mechanic and aviation colleges and courses.

Get information about ATC supplies from air traffic control equipment manufacturers

Many air traffic controller equipment companies offer information about their equipment as well as educational materials to help air traffic controllers and mechanics use their equipment effectively and efficiently.

I recommend: Visit barco.com to learn about their air traffic control equipment systems. This site also offers support as well as press releases so that users can get updated information about new equipment. Go to Jane's Information Group to get information from more than 600 ATC supplies and systems manufacturers from around the world. This site also offers education and training information for air traffic controllers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join organizations for air traffic controllers to receive up-to-date information about air traffic equipment updates and developments and to network with other air traffic controllers and technicians.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the air traffic control equipment appropriate for your needs

Air traffic control equipment consists not only of ATC equipment within the tower but also things like runway lights, wind socks, and runway signage.

I recommend: Jane's Products sells a full array of portable air traffic control equipment, air traffic supplies, air traffic control equipment systems, and air traffic control system devices. Datalink also makes air traffic equipment.

Compare air traffic control equipment companies

Before buying any air traffic control equipment, even air traffic control mandatory equipment, learn the good and bad points of the air traffic control equipment manufacturers.

I recommend: Market Research prepares comprehensive reports on air traffic control equipment. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association's (NATCA) Safety and Technology center provides invaluable intelligence on what problems and challenges air traffic controllers face with air traffic control equipment (as well other ATC safety issues). NATCA's has a web site for air traffic controllers, but even if you're simply outfitting an air traffic control tower you should spend some time poking around the site to get an idea of what working air traffic controllers want and need to do their jobs properly. This will help you pick an air traffic control equipment company.

Outfit your airplane with air traffic control supplies

Generally, only air traffic controllers have air traffic control (or ATC) equipment, but some airplanes have traffic control avoidance systems (TCAS) that function as ATC equipment in airplanes. These systems cost more than most air navigation equipment, and not every plane needs a TCAS.

I recommend: If you want air traffic control equipment for your airplane, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explains the differences in air traffic control equipment for different planes in its TCAS bulletin. Spectrum Aviation has new and used TCAS for sale. Before you buy, pay special attention to the TCAS bulletin.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Visit an air traffic control tower of similar size to see what air traffic control tower equipment they've installed. Talk not just to the tower chief but to some of the regular pilots on the airfield about how well the ATC tower functions with that equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make sure you understand the principles behind air traffic control basic equipment

If you know the basics of how air traffic control equipment systems work, then you'll be better prepared to shop for supplies or work with air traffic control equipment installation and maintenance. Learning the industry jargon as well as the principles behind air traffic control equipment systems will make your job easier and increase your value to your company.

I recommend: Learn the acronyms surrounding the air traffic control industry from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. It offers a plethora of valuable information about the air traffic control industry. The Federal Aviation Administration details different air traffic control equipment systems.

Find reliable air traffic controller equipment companies

If you need to install or maintain air traffic controller equipment systems, then it only makes sense that you'll want to find reliable companies with which to work. This guide has links to a few air traffic controller equipment companies, but make sure you ask for references and follow up on them as well.

I recommend: Jane's Information Group carries a wide variety of air traffic control system devices. Air traffic control equipment manufacturers such as those listed on aerospace-technology.com, from SPG Media Group, are also valuable resources.

Install modern air traffic control equipment in your aircraft

While most air traffic control supplies get installed in air traffic control towers, aircraft can have ATC equipment as well. Known as TCAS, or traffic control avoidance systems, this types of air traffic control equipment systems gets installed in airplanes. This is not air traffic control mandatory equipment but it does offer your pilot, crew and passengers increased safety and peace of mind.

I recommend: FlightSafety International details how TCAS works and also sells TCAS. If you want to know more before you install air traffic control equipment like TCAS in your business aircraft, then you can learn more at Access Intelligence.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Flight service station

A flight service station is an automated service that provides weather updates to pilots, as well as notice to airmen (NOTAMs). An automated flight service station may also offer pilots the option of opening or closing flight plans. Flight service stations work in conjunction with air-traffic control.

I recommend: Lockheed Martin develops flight service station technology. The company has descriptions of what its flight service stations offer.

National airspace system (NAS)

National airspace system (NAS) architecture replaces current air-traffic control equipment. It is a newer system that uses more current technology to make air-traffic control more efficient.

I recommend: The Federation of American Scientists has descriptions of NAS architecture. It includes practical data, as well as a general overview. For more information, read through the report on NAS from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all air-traffic controllers, regulating how they work as well as their equipment. It's a branch of the federal government devoted solely to aviation.

I recommend: Visit the Federal Aviation Administration website to learn more about it.

Air-traffic control and landing systems (ATCALS)

Air-traffic control and landing systems (ATCALS) refer to any avionics used by air-traffic controllers to move planes on the ground or in the sky. Many of these systems are now automated.

I recommend: ARINC provides more information on ATCALS.

Digital airport surveillance radar (DASR)

Digital airport surveillance radar (DASR) refers to newer radar used at some airports. In the past, all radar was analog, but new radar systems use digital technology and offer improved accuracy for air-traffic controllers.

I recommend: Raytheon builds DASR systems. The company describes how DASR works, as well as what components its systems contain.

Navigation aids (NAVAIDS)

Navigation aids, also called NAVAIDS, refer to anything that aids a pilot in navigating. Often these refer to physical markers or checkpoints. An air-traffic controller will help pilots find NAVAIDS.

I recommend: Flight Sim Aviation has more information about the various types of NAVAIDS.