On 19 and 20 May, the Air and Space Operations Command (COA) in Poggio Renatico (FE) hosted the second edition of Air Traffic Control Seminar, organised by the Aerospace Control Brigade (BCA).
Representatives of Italian Air Force ed Italian Army, along with civilian staff Civil Aviation Authority (National Civil Aviation Authority) and ENAV S.p.A. (Italian National Air Navigation Service Provider) met for a professional exchange focused on synergistic airspace management.
The Commander of COA, Air Divisional General Luca Maineri, in playing host, he emphasised how airspace represents the Armed Force's core business. Referring to the current international scenario, he highlighted the strong dynamism of the air domain: “We need to observe and understand our gaps in order to close them, by acquiring new skills or updating our tactics. Civilian traffic is constantly increasing: it is essential to find a harmonised way to allow military training and support civilian traffic management as a driver of economic development.“The General finally urged participants to engage in dialogue, which is key to increasing awareness of each other's needs.
The Commander of the BCA, Brigadier General Glauco Luigi Mora, opened the proceedings by explaining the principles of Integrated Air and Missile Defence of the NATO (I am D, Integrated Air and Missile Defence), the guidelines of the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving threat. “The future defensive capability – he explained – will depend on the ability to adapt rapidly to an increasingly complex and distributed scenario“.
The numerous interventions by the speakers covered the entire air traffic control sector. Interoperability in Integrated Air and Missile Defence was discussed, as was the role of Mobile Command and Control Department (RMCC). The AM Coordination and Control Service Department (RSCCAM) instead dealt with the management and interaction between Operational Air Traffic (Operational Air Traffic – OATand GeneralGeneral Air Traffic – GAT).
The simulation conducted at the’Eurocontrol Innovation Hub in France by AM, ENAV, ENAC and the Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA), aimed at validating procedures for future commercial flights suborbital which will be based on Taranto-Grottaglie Spaceport.
The’Flight Safety Inspectorate has analysed recent statistical data, promoting a safety culture based on Best practice. In this context, the Airspace Control Training Department (RACSA) has delved into the importance of the human factor in staff training.
The Army's Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command and the’Air and Space Operations Preparation Centre The ASOPC of the COA illustrated air traffic coordination to protect ground forces. ENAC personnel presented the activities of the Airspace Efficiency Technical Table (TTESA) for civil-military coordination. ENAV S.p.A., on the other hand, provided an overview of technological innovations, including digital and remote control towers, and the development of’U-Space and the integration of drones (UAS/UAV).
The two-day seminar confirmed the importance of discussion and the exchange of specialist skills between the military world and the civilian sector, which is essential in a sector characterised by constant evolution.
The Aerospace Control Brigade (ACB) It is the Body that encompasses the capabilities of the Armed Force for Integrated Air and Missile Defence and for the Operational Air Traffic (OAT), ensuring the safety and orderly use of National Airspace.
