The reporter states that air traffic controllers have been advised that a light traffic endorsement (LTE) is being proposed as a solution to the current ATC staffing shortages at Melbourne Centre.
The reporter advises that under the LTE, a controller with limited training for a particular sector would be allowed to perform all the normal duties of a fully endorsed controller.
The reporter states that experienced controllers can obtain endorsements for new sectors with anywhere from 80-180 hours of training, also noting that due to staffing shortages, the reporter has observed cross training reduced to approximately 40 hours to expedite training. This results in controllers with significantly less skills and knowledge of the new sector. With the new LTE, this would be well below 40 hours. Additionally, where cross training is on a sector that is not a 'like type' there are major safety concerns for such reduced training.
The concern is that those with limited training in that sector will not know the intricacies of the airspace and it is not unforeseeable that the controller could miss traffic conflicts, or will not correctly identify the lowest safe altitudes, and process aircraft in an unsafe manner because it is a scenario that the controller would never have encountered before.
The reporter acknowledges that for predicted light traffic movements, the LTE could be a strategy to reduce the number of TIBAs (Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft) currently being encountered. However, the reporter is concerned it is unsafe in situations that arise from unforecast weather, increased traffic, or an aircraft with an abnormal operation.
The reporter believes that in these instances, the risk control will be to cease the LTE controller's duty and make the airspace TIBA. The reporter believes that under these circumstances, the unscheduled TIBA will create a situation that is more unsafe than had the airspace just remained TIBA in the first instance, whereby airline operators have the ability to plan and assess around it.
The reporter questions, is Airservices Australia satisfied that the risk assessment for unforecast weather/ increased traffic /abnormal aircraft operations can be adequately managed through this process?
Airservices appreciates the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised in the REPCON regarding a proposed light traffic endorsement.
Restricted endorsements have been in use at Airservices for many years and allow for the provision of Air Traffic Services (ATS) under specific restricted conditions. These restricted conditions can include hours of use/time of day, traffic conditions, airspace complexity, controller experience, etc. to ensure the restricted endorsement can be applied in a safe manner.
Like any other endorsement, a proposed restricted endorsement requires the assessment of training requirements. A training needs analysis is conducted when a new training course or significant redesign of an existing course is required. This analysis uses inputs from Air Traffic Control (ATC) subject matter experts, National Check and Standardisation Supervisors, and Training Planning and Quality. Confirmation and agreement from the stakeholders are obtained to ensure the training needs and training strategies are correct and acceptable for the endorsement. This includes identification of skill and knowledge requirements and associated training hours.
The reporter highlights concerns that a proposed restricted endorsement would be unsuitable in situations such as unforecast weather and dealing with abnormal aircraft operations. However, training courses specifically include emergency training to ensure participants are prepared for unforeseen circumstances and may include, but are not limited to, compromised separation recovery, in-flight emergency response, aerodrome emergencies, degraded modes, contingency and business continuity. Additionally, all controllers are assessed sixmonthly to ensure they continue to demonstrate the performance requirements for the issuance and maintenance of the ratings, endorsements and qualifications held.
Expansion of restricted endorsements is one initiative as part of a broader service resilience program of work. Any proposed restricted endorsement as part of this work will be introduced in a manner that ensures safe ATS provision, in accordance with our safety management system.
Airservices has a hierarchy of plans to manage a contingency situation, where the provision of ATS is affected due to the failure or non-availability of staff, facilities or equipment. If the provision of ATS is being provided under a restricted endorsement and conditions subsequently change meaning the endorsement can no longer be applied, contingency procedures can be applied in a manner consistent with plans and not dissimilar to other short-notice contingency circumstances. This includes appropriate notification to affected parties.
CASA has reviewed the report and the Airservices response. The response meets CASA’s regulatory expectations for the change.
CASA has been engaged by Airservices on the concept and associated changes with both understood. The report states valid safety concerns if the changes were not implemented robustly. The implementation will be subject to CASA surveillance. At this stage, CASA has no safety concerns with the changes.