Radar Training For N.Z. Air Controllers

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30534, 1 September 1964, Page 17

Radar Training For N.Z. Air Controllers

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, August 31. A fully-transistorised precision approach radar simulator has been bought by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Administration for air traffic control training. It is identical to precision approach radar equipment installed at airfields.

Students can practise aircraft talk-downs in a fully operational atmosphere with all the effects and complications present in live situations. The equipment provides two target aircraft for the student to control. Any airport installation can be simulated on the controller’s display by adjustable indications of glide slope and angle markers, azimuth markers, runway direction and permanent echoes. The effects simulated include ground clutter and location aids.

An independently . controlled rain clutter generator is also provided for more advanced training. Audio tone pips for each target are provided to give target range information when a plane is within 10 miles of the runway.

Wind effects are also simulated for the target aircraft. The degree if intensity can be selected by the instructor

and approach data is continuously recorded on data loggers. The equipment was ordered for the aeronautical college at Christchurch airport in March and should be installed in mid-1965 at a cost, with spares, of more than £30,000. ■ It will be used to train radar controllers for equipment at Whenuapai, Ohakea,

Wellington and Momona airfields. Controllers are now trained at Ohakea where, aircraft produce radar screen signals on live equipment. This costs about £lO.OOO a year. The new equipment is expected to pay for itself within four years. Aircraft using this system are usually directed .to approach the runway from about 10 miles away.

This type of radar equipment will not be used at Christchurch airport, which will have an instrument landing system. Controllers trained on the simulator will also have to log 50 approaches with aircraft under supervision on their assigned airfields. Other kir traffic controllers will be able to take on the radar simulator courses lasting about a month; but it will be possible to combine this training with other courses at the college. The elimination of aircraft for basic training will halve the time taken by the present course.