At a time of increasing complexity of the air traffic system, it is important to minimise the risk arising from technical and engineered systems, and to ensure their correct functioning. The term “Air Traffic Safety Electronic Personnel” (ATSEP) has been developed to describe those technical specialists working to support the technical ATM services.

NATS has been at the forefront of the development of the ATSEP scheme and now offers the same high level training used to train our own in-house staff either by individual courses or as part of a full programme of Basic and Qualification courses.

NATS, as an established ANSP, relies on a wide range of data networks to support all of its operational voice, surveillance and flight data systems.

Our experience has enabled us to develop a course that covers the basic principles of data communications and illustrates how these are applied to providing Air Navigation Services.

This course covers three areas:

Introduction to Networks

We examine the evolution of LAN and WAN technologies and how networks are designed to meet requirements such as redundancy, time delay and security. Networks are analysed in terms of routers, switches, bridges, gateways and firewalls; the purpose and function of these components is described.

Protocols

This module introduces the fundamentals of data communication including the 7-layer OSI interconnection reference model and TCP/IP. The student will learn how IP addresses and subnet masks are used. During hands-on practical exercises, students will build and troubleshoot a small network of PCs, switches and routers.

National & International Networks

We investigate local and global aviation related networks, their characteristics and interfaces. Illustrates Air-Ground and Ground-Ground networks used for Air Traffic Control.

ATSEP Basic training or equivalent proven knowledge and experience.

Five days

Courses are scheduled regularly at NATS Training Centre, Whiteley, UK or can be delivered remotely.