TS and Network Centric Systems representatives share Raytheon’s innovative products and services during the ATC Global’09 Conference.

Charlie Keegan, Air Traffic Control Optimum Training Solution program manager, recently provided his perspective on how to achieve a culture of safety for controllers during the ATC Global Conference in Amsterdam, Holland.

“Talent, technology and training are the keys to creating and maintaining an aviation safety environment,” said Keegan, who served as a panelist for the ‘Safety Education for Air Traffic Controllers’ workshop.

The annual conference, which was held March 17 to 19, is the world’s leading air traffic management event for air transportation management professionals. Raytheon won the ATCOTS program last year with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to maintain and improve air traffic controller training over the next decade. It is considered a national asset program to keep the flying public safe.

In addition to addressing safety, Keegan also talked about Raytheon’s systematic and proven approach to providing integrated training solutions. While organizations must address what technologies, processes and tools are available when developing training solutions, he said, they must also consider employee talent and the generational differences in the workplace as well.

“Training the next generation of air traffic controllers requires us to look at technology advances and closely examine demographics needs,” he said. Keegan concluded by emphasizing that success and safety on ATCOTS and other aviation programs will only be achieved through collaboration within industry and between industry and government.

More than 4,000 participants attend ATC each year. There was also increased participation from non-European countries such as the United States, Brazil, China, Japan and South Africa.

ATC Global Conference