Philippines Launches P253-M Air Traffic Control Simulator to Enhance Training

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it launched a P253-million system of simulators to better train air traffic control personnel. Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said that the aviation industry stands to benefit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Philippines’ (CAAP) new aerodrome, en-route and approach simulators. “We need to have a modern and safe aviation infrastructure like runways and terminals, but it is also equally important to modernize and upgrade our systems,” Mr. Lopez said. CAAP’s air traffic system is designed to replicate real-life flight scenarios, allowing trainees to learn operational situations in controlled settings. “With the new simulators, air traffic controller competencies including situational awareness, sound decision-making, effective coordination, precise communication, and the management of complex traffic situations will also be developed,” DoTr said. CAAP said the new equipment will also cut the training period for air traffic management personnel to six months from the current nine. “The simulators will likewise reduce reliance on live operational traffic as the primary training environment, providing a safer and more structured transition from classroom instruction to actual operations,” the DoTr said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose