SubscribeThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has chosen the BEST Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulators, produced by UK company Micro Nav, to meet their future air traffic control simulation and training requirements.
BEST (Beginning to End for Simulation and Training) will be used for a wide range of training from ab initio to conversion, refresher and competency checks. The simulators will be installed during the summer and will enter service in September 2005.
A ten sector radar simulator with forty work stations can be configured to provide different types and levels of training for both approach and area controllers. All the simulators are networked together and have an integrated audio communications system that simulates radio, intercom and telephone links. Any combination of work stations, airspaces, exercises, weather conditions and communications facilities can be easily selected to suit different training needs.
Two tower simulators, each having a three-channel, three-dimensional visual display will cover aerodrome and surface movement controller training. The realistic, out-of-the-window panoramic displays use the latest PC graphics to simulate airports for training and other simulation applications. Combined tower and radar exercises can also be run.
Speaking at the signing of the contract, Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the IAA said; “this investment in the latest technology for both radar and tower simulation demonstrates the IAA’s commitment to training, safety and efficient operations.” He also praised the power and versatility of the new simulators adding that they will enable the IAA to customise and deliver ATC courses that will best suit the evolving needs of its customers.
Tom Howard-Jones, New Business Director of Micro Nav, added that Micro Nav was delighted to continue the relationship with the Irish Aviation Authority noting that their previous simulators had given long and successful service. BEST will take the partnership forward with the capacity for change that is important to leading international service providers such as the IAA.
Tom Howard-Jones (left) & Eamonn Brennan
For further information contact:
Lilian Cassin
Corporate Communications Manager
Irish Aviation Authority
Tel: +353 (0) 61 366 226 / +353 (0) 87 647 4079
Email: lilian.cassin@iaa.ie
Tom Howard-Jones
New Business Director
Micro Nav
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 764 444
Email: tomhowardjones@micronav.co.uk
The Irish Aviation Authority
- The Irish Aviation Authority was established as a commercial state body in 1994.
- The IAA services include air traffic management, engineering and communications, in airspace controlled by Ireland.
- The IAA is one of the most cost-effective providers of air navigation and regulatory services in Europe.
- The IAA provides international training and consulting services mainly in the field of air traffic control personnel and systems.
- The regulatory services include aircraft airworthiness certification and registration; the licensing of personnel and organisations involved in the maintenance of aircraft; the licensing of pilots and aerodromes; together with the approval, surveillance of air carrier operation standards and of general aviation.
- The IAA ensures that Irish civil aviation operates to the highest international and European safety standards and systems, in accordance with international agreements.
- The IAA’s emphasis on efficiency and quality is recognised through the ISO 9001: 2000 quality standard and it remains the only European Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to be certified for all its operations.
Micro Nav
- Micro Nav is a leading specialist ATC simulation and training company with a 17 year track record.
- Micro Nav simulators are used around the world be national civil and military authorities, including: the Irish Aviation Authority, The Irish Air Corps, UK NATS, UK MoD, DFS Germany, Naviar Denmark and skyguide Switzerland.
- Some 500 units have been delivered to over 20 countries for some 25 different users.
- The BEST family of simulators covers all levels and types of training as well as design and evaluation tasks for air traffic management.
- Micro Nav have developed advanced radar and tower simulators, with both 2D and 3D visual displays; fighter controller training systems; simulated audio communications systems and voice recognition and synthesis facilities.