BULATSA Selects BEST ATC Simulators

The Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority, BULATSA, has chosen BEST (Beginning to End for Simulation & Training) to support the development of its training courses and the evolution of its ATC systems. Micro Nav will install large simulator networks in their Sofia control centre during a project scheduled to be completed in less than a year.

The contract includes: 16 dual-role radar and tower controller workstations; a tower simulator with 4 controller positions and a 10 channel panoramic 3D display using large LCD panels in portrait mode; 16 pseudo-pilot workstations; the Fast Airport Builder and 3D modelling tools; speech recognition and synthesis; part-task trainers and a comprehensive package of user training, project services and support equipment.

Databases and visual models for the Bulgarian airspace and airports will be delivered early to accelerate the testing of the simulation exercises and the commissioning of the courses in which they will be deployed.

The BEST speech recognition and synthesis facilities will help the instructors to support more students as they achieve the required competencies in ATC English and radio techniques. BULATSA can customise the software to handle local real names, phraseology and accents. Students can conduct self-teaching and practice without the need for support staff.

Mr Tzvetan Dilov, the Director General of BULATSA, said “We have selected a proven partner and their advanced simulation system to support our continuous improvement programme including our investment in our new control tower at Sofia International Airport. We are moving our internal training up to the next level. We hope to provide training services that will support our partnership in the Danube FAB and our ambition is to become the leading provider of training in our region.”

Mike Male, the Managing Director of Micro Nav, said “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with BULATSA that started some twenty years ago. BULATSA has exciting plans to develop their ATC training as well as their operational systems. We are looking forward to providing the evolving simulation facilities and support services that will help them to achieve their goals.”