The air traffic services provider had limited formal guidance regarding how to determine appropriate consolidation periods for en route controllers on one sector before they were transitioned to commence training on another sector.
The ATSB recognises Airservices' work to address this safety issue and are satisfied that, when in place, the Airservices enhancements to the guidance material for controller training will adequately address the safety issue.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Airservices Australia takes safety action to address the limited formal guidance regarding how to determine appropriate consolidation periods for en route controllers on one sector before they were transitioned to commence training on another sector.
Airservices notes that the ATSB considers we have not yet demonstrated that we have satisfactorily addressed this issue and the associated recommendation, and is currently undertaking an internal review of the National ATS Administration Manual (NAAM) and ATC training plan documentation.
The review is aimed at strengthening the internal guidance to support the progression of a controller’s training, taking into account a number of factors including controller competency. In particular, this review will ensure that the factors and rationale considered are documented appropriately. The review is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2013. Airservices will advise the ATSB of the outcome of this review and any intended actions.
