A new working method concept was simulated and tested for Luxembourg’s air traffic control in Fintraffic ANS´s Avia College simulators between 25 November and 5 December 2024. The aim of the validation process was to obtain data that could be used to verify the possible new working method concept’s practical functionality and prerequisites for operational deployment. The simulation and tests were carried out with excellent cooperation and success between the parties.
Luxembourg Air Navigation Administration, which is responsible for air navigation services in Luxembourg, has simulated new air traffic control working methods in Finland. The international co-operation launched in January brought up to twenty international guests at a time to Fintraffic’s Air Navigation Services (Fintraffic ANS) for the simulation process of these working methods.
- We had a very profitable simulation session with our close customer and cooperator Luxembourg Air Navigation Administration (ANA). With the help of EUROCONTROL and NLR, we managed to put through more than fifty simulation sessions in just nine days. The professionalism and devoted attitude from all the parties gave us a unique working atmosphere with high concentration to fulfil the task, says Thomas Karlström, Head of sales and marketing for Avia College.
Simulated working methods sure to raise interest in air navigation operators
The working methods simulated by representatives of the Luxembourg Air Navigation Administration are sure to raise an interest in air navigation operators, as simulations were used to test how different working methods affect workload and safety. Based on the results of the simulation, it could be possible to introduce a completely new operating model in the field or, alternatively find that these working methods should not be implemented in this way.
- We had many workshops together with our controllers before the simulations to define the different concepts of operations and possible hazards that may arise as well as define the exercises to be simulated. During the actual simulations, our tower controllers worked on these different scenarios, measuring workloads and ways of coordination as well as how they solve and mitigate possible problems that arise, tells Claude Schmit, COO of Luxembourg Air Navigation Administration.
Representatives of airlines and Luxembourg NSA observed the simulations to provide insight on what the working methods look like from the pilot’s perspective. EUROCONTROL, a civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation, also brought its own in-depth expertise in aviation to the simulations.
- Runway safety is one of our operational safety priorities at EUROCONTROL, and we have been working with Luxembourg Air Navigation Administration to support them in this comprehensive project. As the Network Manager, it’s important for us to invest and be part of these types of projects as well as work closely with different network actors. Through this type of co-operation, we help improve the performance of the network as a whole, tells Tzvetomir Blajev, in charge of coordination of operational safety at EUROCONTROL.
Next, the data collected during the two-week simulation period will be delivered to the Dutch research and development institute, Royal NLR, that will analyse the data and provide an overview of the results together with EUROCONTROL experts. Based on the results, it will be possible to evaluate, which of the simulated concepts is the safest and most practical for the specific airport layout and situation in Luxembourg.
Exceptional simulator environment combined with high operational and safety expertise
Fintraffic ANS was part of the validation process as an impartial organiser. One reason why the simulations were carried out in Finland, is the exceptionally high-quality simulator environment that produces an almost authentic experience of simulated situations. Working with Fintraffic was also already familiar to Luxembourg through previous air traffic controller trainings.
- Finland was an easy choice for us, since Fintraffic already has the whole setup of our airport, TMA and airspace in their simulators from our previous co-operation. During our years of working together, Fintraffic has also been a flexible and reactive partner, even with specific requests that we have had for them. They were closely involved in advance to prepare for these simulations and organized the two-week simulation period well for us to carry out the process in practice, thanks Claude Schmit.
- The facilities at Fintaffic ANS are very supportive for reaching the goals we have set for this project. However, Fintraffic’s value is not just in the technological capabilities and facilities they have. The level of professionalism in simulations combined with high operational and safety expertise is important for the overall project. The people at Fintraffic are very engaged from beginning to end: they connect with the purpose of the project and keep an eye out for steps ahead. This way they can easily integrate and deliver when it’s time to perform those steps. We are very happy to work with Fintraffic, continues Tzvetomir Blajev.
