PPruNe have given their wholehearted support and permission to post the following;
Wanted
Pilots to attend Emergency Training for Air Traffic Controllers at Swanwick
Controllers at the London Area Control Centre (Swanwick) undertake emergency training every year to maintain their licences. This training is split between TRUCE (Training for Unusual Circumstances and Emergencies) and STAC (Scenario Training for Aircrew and Controllers).
TRUCE sessions take place in the afternoon. For Swanwick controllers there will be both classroom discussions and time in the simulator which is located at our corporate headquarters in Whiteley, Hampshire.
Prior to the afternoon session, pilots are encouraged to visit the Operation Rooms at Swanwick (generally from 1100).
Over past years we have hosted many commercial pilots and the vast majority have commented how useful their attendance has been. For our ATCOs, they get to hear how commercial pilots deal with emergency situations first hand, and pilots can gain a better understanding of what we do should they call PAN or MAYDAY. Expect to take part within the classroom discussions and the simulator exercises (you can even play the part of the emergency pilot during an exercise!).
STAC is a facilitated classroom session at Swanwick (0900 to 1600) run by an ATCO facilitator and pilot CRMI. A mixed group of pilots and controllers discuss how emergencies effect operations on the flight deck and control room and how a better understanding of each others requirements can lead to better handling of these events.
The day usually concludes with pilots visiting both Operation Rooms.
Sensible expenses can be claimed for those travelling from the London area or equivalent distance. Lunch will normally be provided.
I cannot over emphasise how useful your attendance will be for the participants!
If you think you might have a spare day, please E mail us at
[email protected] so that we can send you more details. Please include an email address, brief details about you, who you fly for and what you fly. I can then arrange for more information to be sent out including the dates.