The Department of Defence had not provided Darwin-based controllers with regular practical refresher training in identifying and responding to compromised separation scenarios.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the Department of Defence (DoD) has adequately addressed the safety issue. Compromised separation recovery training is included in DoD air traffic controller initial and currency proficiency assessments. In addition, video and computer-based training in compromised separation recovery techniques is a pre-requisite for DoD controllers’ 6-monthly currency assessments. It is also included in the simulator scenarios of DoD air traffic units at all military aerodromes to which civil scheduled services operate.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Department of Defence takes further safety action to address the provision of regular and practical simulator-based refresher Compromised Separation Recovery Training to all controllers.
In order to achieve an endorsement, Defence controllers are trained and assessed against the competencies in the National Aviation Training Package (AVI08 - soon to be updated AVI15) which includes COMSERT as a specific competency requirement.
After initial endorsement, Defence controllers undergo practical proficiency assessments for each endorsement at least every six months (currency assessments). HQ44WG directed that compromised separation recovery technique/training (COMSERT) is included in the initial and currency proficiency assessments. Video/computer based training including COMSERT will be a pre-requisite prior to one of the controller's six-monthly currency assessments. Initial and selected currency assessments shall include question-and-answer sessions based on practical scenarios (at the console or in classroom setting) and or simulator exercises (where practicable) to ensure the controller is proficient with COMSERT.
The COMSERT video went live about two weeks ago. This video explores the reasoning behind compromised separation recovery as well as the thought processes and tools available to execute when needed. We actually use the radar tape from the Williamtown 2011 occurrence as the ice breaker. This video is then followed up by a CAMPUS course which assess the controller on the information presented in the video. PMKeyS reportable to track currency.
Attached is the 'Because they rely on us' package. The 'Can you look away' package is a sub-set of 'Because they rely on us'. Huge effort by a number of personnel within the Wing and we are already seeing the 'Can you look away' principles being referred to in LOSA investigations within the Flights. The message has definitely got people talking.
In accordance with Section 25A (2) of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003, I hereby advise the ATSB that Defence agrees with the two safety issues as outlined. As a proactive safety organisation, we will continue to implement changes to further enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence in future.
In particular reference to the recommendations 041 and 042, Air Force has commenced work on a compromised separation recovery training package that will standardise training across all Air Base Air Traffic Service (ABATS) units. This package will include a training video and an annual exam requiring a 100% pass mark. Additionally, ABATS units that have a simulation capability have now included the scanning of green codes in their local training packages.
