It has been implemented To the Airspace Control Training Department (RACSA) at Pratica di Mare, the school for Air Traffic Controllers, Meteorology, and Integrated Missile Defence, a new role, operating at Air Traffic Simulators, called Pseudo Pilot.
This is an innovative role, carried out by Volunteers in Initial Service assigned to the Department, who “interpret” the role of virtual pilots interacting with Air traffic controllers engaged in simulator training scenarios. In addition to performing this function, the Pseudo Pilot they also deal with Management of RACSA's different simulators: radar, tower and transportable. The latter in particular is used in basic courses and aims to bring training activities wherever they are needed, in a timely manner and in compliance with national and European quality standards regarding air traffic. For each training session, Pseudo Pilots configure the simulators based on the mission profile to be carried out and the number of controllers in training, and then proceed to carry out the actual virtual pilot activity.
To become a Pseudo Pilot, Initial Term Volunteers undertake an intensive one-month training course, during which they study aviation regulations,’Air Traffic Management, meteorology, simulation systems management and technical aeronautical English, which is fundamental for correct communication between pilots and controllers. At the end of the theoretical phase, the practical phase begins, which involves operating the simulators and managing communications. Upon completion of the training, after a theoretical and practical examination, they acquire the qualification to operate as Pseudo Pilots. The added value of this role in simulation training for Air Traffic course attendees is considerable, as future controllers have the opportunity to train by simulating radio communications with virtual pilots, making the training activity much more realistic and effective. The school's instructors, no longer engaged in manoeuvring the simulated aircraft, can dedicate themselves entirely to overseeing the training activities of the attendees.
The RACSA is the training body of the Italian Air Force, tasked with training personnel from the Italian and foreign Armed Forces in the fields of Integrated Missile Air Defence, Air Traffic, and Meteorology. Furthermore, it provides training support to external bodies such as the Department of Civil Protection and the National Fire and Rescue Corps. The Department is located at the Pratica di Mare Military Airport (RM) and is part of the Aerospace Control Brigade of the Aerospace Operations Command in Poggio Renatico (FE).
