From Tower to Center: Conversion Training for Remote Tower Operations

Abstract

The concept of Remote Tower Operations, where Air Traffic Services are provided remotely rather than on-site, is increasingly implemented by Air Navigation Service Providers across the globe. Within Remote Tower Operations, Air Traffic Controllers and Aerodrome Flight Information Officers control the air traffic from a highly digitalized working position including a panoramic view of the airfield as well as sophisticated interfaces for the control of zoom cameras, runway lighting systems and communications. To demonstrate that safety of operations is maintained within this new operational framework, strict regulations by the Civil Aviation Authorities have to be complied with. For the opening of the Remote Tower Center Lower Saxony in Germany, the provision of a conversion training for the Air Traffic Control Officers of Braunschweig airport, as well as the Aerodrome Flight Information Officers of Emden airfield was required. This training took place at the simulation facilities of the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Flight Guidance. The aim of the training was to familiarize the personnel with the novel working environment and to enable them to safely guide and control traffic from this environment. Throughout the training, subjective and objective metrics were recorded to evaluate the effectiveness of the conversion training. Expecting a learning effect throughout five simulation runs, it was hypothesized that despite increasing scenario complexity, more situational awareness as well as trust and thus more efficiency in handling traffic would be observed. Although not statistically significant, a descriptive overall training effect was observed for all parameters from the first run to the exam run. Especially important are the findings regarding self-reported situational awareness and trust in the system, which indicate not only successful adjustment to but also acceptance of the new working conditions, an important factor considering the transition to the new working position at Remote Tower Center Lower Saxony. The conversion training design, its framework, as well as the results of this study, can serve as guidance material for future conversion training designs.

Keywords: Air Navigation Service Provider, Airports, Air Traffic Control, Automation, Remote Tower Operations, Remote Tower Center, Training

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007145