FAA announces new cockpit program for air controllers

FAA announces new cockpit program for air controllers

2011-08-02 08:39:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday announced that effective air traffic controllers will once again be able to ride in aircraft cockpits with commercial pilots as part of a voluntary education program. 

The Flight Deck Training program is designed to improve safety by giving air traffic controllers a greater understanding of the pilots' experience and workload in the cockpit, the FAA said, adding that the program replaces a previous one called Familiarization Training (FAM trip), which was suspended in 2001.

The FAA worked closely with the Transportation Security Administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to develop the new program in order design it to enhance the controller's understanding of the air traffic system and specifically how air traffic specialists interact with the flight deck crew, controllers will always be on duty during training and cannot take the training in conjunction with any leave. 

In addition, the FAA said controllers would be limited to two training trips in a calendar year instead of the eight that were permitted under a FAM trip, and controllers would not be allowed to fly to the same airport on consecutive flights. Also, a controller must have advance approval to participate and must also submit an itinerary, as well as medical and security information, while foreign travel is not permitted.

"We've worked together to create a credible and secure flight training program that will enhance safety through increased education," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. 

Once approved, the controller must present unique identification to access the cockpit, and during the flight, the controller must complete pre-approved training objectives as he or she observes the flight crew. 

Flight Deck Training is being introduced as a pilot program that the FAA will evaluate and monitor over the next six months.

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