Radar Skills Training via the web
19 March 2012
Posted by Graffica
The popular Radar Skills Trainer (RST) has undergone a substantial number of improvements and a facelift to take it to version 3.0. With a revamped launch system, preferences tool and an improved look and feel, the suite of tools now works identically across all major modern operating systems. The suite has been enhanced to take advantage of the web and may be accessed directly from the EUROCONTROL Training Zone - no need to install it locally!
RST is available to training organizations of EUROCONTROL Member States, subject to license agreement conditions. It includes exercises developed to support basic controller training and OJTI training. Since 2006 the number of licence agreements has increased from 2 to 28, with an average number of 15 training organisation using the tool every year.
The Radar Skills Trainer tool enables users to perform skill practice (Part Task Practice or Skill Acquisition) and works on the basis of objective measurement.
Experience has shown that the early introduction of practical elements, often in a self-paced manner, in the training process reduces simulator time and improves overall success rates. Users are mostly ATC initial training providers in EUROCONTROL Member States, but also include some operational units that use this tool for unit and/or refresher training.
For any exercise a combination of predetermined objectives and airspace design provides a scenario to teach specific skills. The Radar Skills Trainer simulates the Controller Working Position (CWP) and the pseudo Pilot Working Position (PWP). Trainers can use the Exercise Preparation Tool (EPT) to create teaching exercises, or use the generic exercise scenarios supplied with the software.
A replay function is provided for both instructors and students, so that attempted exercises may be analysed at a later stage. During a session, the student completes the exercise and receives feedback from the programme. The instructor can then review the exercise using the replay function and discuss technique and other aspects that the tool currently does not assess with the student.
A networked Course Management System (CMS) version, in addition to the core simulation components, offers additional facilities to manage the delivery of exercise scenarios to a group of students and to monitor their progress.
