Entry Point North - Air Traffic Services and Air Traffic Control Training

Entry Point North (EPN) is a Northern European air traffic services (ATS) academy offering premier, cost-effective training to air navigation service providers' (ANSP) personnel. Our high-calibre staff ensure that training complies with stringent European standards and safety regulations.

EPN provides competitive ATM initial training and development training to meet the needs of the customer, in addition to the marketing, recruitment and selection of air traffic control (ATC) candidates for ANSPs.

Initial training for air traffic control officers (ATCOs)

Initial training for ATCOs is intensive. It begins with an EU-certified basic ATC training module, in which applicants learn ATC theory and methods of application. This is then followed by rating training (specialist training within individual ATC disciplines).

The training comprises classroom theory, computer-based training (CBT) and hands-on simulation training. The simulation training is designed to teach participants about the real-life working environment within each individual discipline of ATC.

Radio, radar, aerodynamics, meteorology aircraft, aviation law and telecommunications training for air traffic controllers

Integral to the role of an air traffic controller is the professional use of radio and radar, which our training courses cover. They also provide training in the principles of aerodynamics, the importance of meteorology in aviation, aircraft types and performance, aviation law, and telecommunications services.

Participants finish their initial training at EPN with a series of examinations, after which they are awarded a student licence. This is the admission certificate needed to start on unit training. In practice unit training involves working for 6-18 months with their assigned ANSP.

Basic ATS training for air navigation service employees

ATS employs many competent and diverse personnel that serve the air traffic control industry. EPN provides premier training to provide a basic education for these groups.

The course includes training in subjects such as MET, international organisations, ANS organisations, flight plans, rules of the air, ASM, ATFCM, aircraft knowledge, equipment, navigation and human factors.

The personnel categories best suited for the basic ATS course include:

• AFTN operator
• AIS officer
• ATCO assistant (ACC)
• ATCO assistant (TWR)
• FIC officer without radar
• FIS officer with radar
• Flight data operator (FDA/FDO)
• NOTAM office officer

ATS-training rating modules

EPN provides rating modules for ATS personnel that have completed the basic ATS course. The four current rating modules available are:

• Aerodrome flight information service (AFIS) without radar
• AFIS with radar
• Flight information service without radar (FFP)
• Flight information service with radar (FFS)

ATM personnel human-factor and safety courses

The human factors department within EPN develops and offers intensive human-factor and safety courses for the entire range of ATM personnel. The training can be adapted to match the particular needs of customers. These courses develop the individual's non-technical skills, such as decision-making and interpersonal communication.

Besides a thorough human factors education, the lecturers at EPN have an operational background as air traffic controllers or commercial pilots, or experience from another organisation where safety is critical, so really know what they are talking about.

Custom human-factor and safety courses

Human factors are not just important in the aviation industry. EPN offers courses for other industries where the human factor is vital to safe and efficient operations. These courses are spin-offs from the human-factor training given to pilots and air traffic controllers.

Our experience in the aviation industry is also highly relevant for management and professionals working with health and safety in other fields, especially safety-critical areas such as the healthcare, chemical and energy industries.

EPN can offer tailor-made courses in the field of human factors to satisfy a customer's specific needs.

Recruitment services for ANSPs and the ATM sector

At EPN, we can offer you the services of a recruitment expert who is a behavioural scientist specialising in the aviation industry.

Each year, we sift through around 2,000 applicants to find a select few for our initial training programmes for aspiring air traffic controllers.

Because we deal with so many candidates throughout the year and conduct a series of tests and interviews on our premises, we stay on top of the recruitment process and can offer you economies of scale.