Before Naviair’s new air traffic management system can be put into operation, the entire staff of air traffic controllers must naturally be ready to operate the many new systems just as the technical personnel must be trained in daily operations. Naviair has therefore developed a comprehensive training and education program that will ensure that both air traffic controllers and technicians are familiar with all facets of the new system. Testing and education takes place in the ultramodern simulators that Naviair commands and maintains.

This gives employees the opportunity to become completely familiar with the new working equipment in a virtual environment before they have to control real traffic. When the new system is put into operation, the students will come out of the simulators and into the tower and control center in order to “eavesdrop” on the old system. This phase is called shadow operation because everything takes place as though the new system were in operation—with the difference that everything is actually practice. Shadow operation, in other words, is the trial run of the new system. This is the last opportunity to test and ensure that all the parts are in place before the system is finally put into operation.