Growing traffic numbers, environmental concerns and cost efficiency issues are creating huge demands on air traffic management of tomorrow. A key resource is the availability of air traffic controllers (ATCOs), but current regulations frame their deployment to specific airspaces according to their unit endorsements. The IFAV3 project (Increased Flexibility of ATCO Validation) addresses this challenge by aiming to enable more flexible deployment of ATCOs to sectors by using different strategies, procedural means and technical enablers. Within this context, two upcoming events in Madrid will play a central role in validating the concepts and tools designed to support this transformation.

IFAV3 GRU Validation and Open Day

Host: INECO
Date: 27 May 2025
Location: Madrid (on-site)
Registration form: GRU Open Day Registration

During the Open Day, INECO will present the GRU prototype, a strategic decision-support tool developed under IFAV3 to validate the Smart Sector Grouping concept. The tool helps ATS Unit Managers to define, years in advance, the optimal number and composition of Sector Groups (linked to Unit Endorsements) within an ATS Unit by evaluating a wide range of alternatives.

With access to key indicators on staffing, cost-effectiveness, and operational flexibility, the GRU prototype empowers managers to anticipate resource management benefits enabled by the IFAV concept.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the tool’s functionalities and provide feedback to guide further development.

Validation Workshop: Common Unit Competency Scheme (UCS) Framework

Host: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: UPM Campus, Plaza del Cardenal Cisneros 3, Madrid
Format: On-site and online
Registration form: UCS Workshop Registration

The workshop will contribute to the Common UCS Framework validation, in the framework of the IFAV3 project. The Common UCS is designed to harmonise currency requirements across European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). This will allow ANSPs to maintain their current currency requirements or to transition to solutions like IFAV, enabling greater flexibility for ATCOs.

Why it matters:

– Supports regulatory-level harmonisation
– Boosts operational flexibility across borders
– Fosters shared understanding and feedback from stakeholders
– Presents real-world application scenarios

The session will offer an in-depth look at the UCS methodology and its potential to support a shared European approach to controller competencies.

These two validation events mark an important step in realising the objectives of the IFAV3 project. Stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem — ANSPs, regulators, operational experts, and system developers — are welcome to join, contribute, and collaborate.

Why attend:

• Influence the design of currency requirements for ATCO rostering and deployment
• Share challenges and insights based on your operational context
• Support the harmonisation of ATM practices across Europe
• Connect with peers working at the forefront of ATM innovation

Places are limited. Register now to ensure your participation and contribute to a more adaptive, efficient, and integrated European ATM landscape!