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AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) Composition of initial training – Basic training

INITIAL TRAINING CONTENT · Regulation (EU) 2015/340 · EAR revision 14 Jun 2024

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1)Composition of initial training – Basic training

SUBJECT 8: EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS The subject objective is: Learners shall explain the basic working principles of equipment that is generally used in ATC and appreciate how this equipment aids the controller in providing safe and efficient ATS. [applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 1 — ATC EQUIPMENT
Subtopic EQPSB 1.1 — Main types of ATC equipment
BASIC EQPSB 1.1.1Explain the relevance of ATC equipment.2CWP, communication equipment, ATS surveillance systems
TOPIC EQPSB 2 — RADIO
Subtopic EQPSB 2.1 — Radio theory
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.1State the principles of radio waves.1
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.2Describe the characteristics of radio waves.2Propagation, limitations
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.3State the use, characteristics and limitations of frequency bands.1Use in ATC, navigation and communications, use and application in the Aeronautical Mobile Service, HF, VHF, UHF
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.4State the different uses of radio wave spectrum.1
Subtopic EQPSB 2.2 — Direction finding
BASIC EQPSB 2.2.1State the principles and use of VDF/UDF.1VDF/UDF, QDM, QDR, QTF
BASIC EQPSB 2.2.2State the precision of VDF/UDF used in the State system.1

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 2 — RADIO
Subtopic EQPSB 2.1 — Radio theory
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.1Describe the characteristics of radio waves.2Propagation, limitations
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.2State the use, characteristics and limitations of frequency bands.1Use in ATC, navigation and communications, and surveillance, use and application in the Aeronautical Mobile Service
BASIC EQPSB 2.1.3State the different uses of radio wave spectrum.1
Subtopic EQPSB 2.2 — Direction finding
BASIC EQPSB 2.2.1State the principles and use of VDF/UDF.1VDF/UDF, QDM, QDR, QTE Optional content: precision of VDF/UDF used in the State system

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 3 — COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
Subtopic EQPSB 3.1 — Radio communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.1State the use of the radio in ATC.1
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.2Describe the working principles of a transmitting and receiving system.2
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.3Explain the effect of antenna shadowing on RTF communications.2
Subtopic EQPSB 3.2 — Voice communication between ATS units/positions
BASIC EQPSB 3.2.1Describe the use of other voice communications in ATC.2Optional content: telephone, interphone, intercom
Subtopic EQPSB 3.3 — Data link communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.3.1Explain the use and benefits of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).2
Subtopic EQPSB 3.4 — Airline communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.4.1State the use of SELCAL.1
BASIC EQPSB 3.4.2Explain the use and benefits of Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS).2

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 3 — COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
Subtopic EQPSB 3.1 — Radio communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.1State the use of the radio in ATC.1
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.2Describe the working principles of a transmitting and receiving system.2
BASIC EQPSB 3.1.3Explain the effect of antenna shadowing on RTF communications.2
Subtopic EQPSB 3.2 — Voice communication between ATS units/positions and others
BASIC EQPSB 3.2.1Describe the use of other voice communications.2Optional content: telephone, interphone, intercom
Subtopic EQPSB 3.3 — Data link communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.3.1Explain the use and benefits of controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC).2
BASIC EQPSB 3.3.2Explain the use and benefits of aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS).2
Subtopic EQPSB 3.4 — Airline communications
BASIC EQPSB 3.4.1State the use of SELCAL.1

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 4 — INTRODUCTION TO SURVEILLANCE
Subtopic EQPSB 4.1 — Surveillance concept in ATS
BASIC EQPSB 4.1.1Describe the concept of surveillance for the provision of ATS.2
TOPIC EQPSB 5 — RADAR
Subtopic EQPSB 5.1 — Principles of radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.1State the principles of radar.1
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.2Recognise the characteristics of radar wavelengths.1
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.3Recognise the use, characteristics and limitations of different radar types.1Optional content: frequency bands, long and short-range radar, weather radar, high-resolution radar
Subtopic EQPSB 5.2 — Primary radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.2.1Explain the working principles of PSR.2
Subtopic EQPSB 5.3 — Secondary radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.1Explain the working principles of SSR.2Mode A, Mode C
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.2Explain SSR code management2Discrete, non-discrete codes, special codes
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.3Explain the effect of antenna shadowing on SSR operation.2
Subtopic EQPSB 5.4 — Use of radars
BASIC EQPSB 5.4.1Explain the use of PSR/SSR in ATC.2Area, approach, aerodrome, surface movement radar, DFTI
BASIC EQPSB 5.4.2Explain the advantages and disadvantages of PSR/SSR.2
Subtopic EQPSB 5.5 — Mode S
BASIC EQPSB 5.5.1Explain the principles of Mode S.2
BASIC EQPSB 5.5.2Explain the use of Mode S in ATC systems.2

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 5 — RADAR
Subtopic EQPSB 5.1 — Principles of radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.1State the principles of radar.1
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.2Recognise the characteristics of radar wavelengths.1
BASIC EQPSB 5.1.3Recognise the use, characteristics and limitations of different radar types.1Optional content: frequency bands, longand short-range radar, weather radar, high-resolution radar
Subtopic EQPSB 5.2 — Primary radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.2.1Explain the working principles of PSR.2
Subtopic EQPSB 5.3 — Secondary radar
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.1Explain the working principles of SSR.2Mode A, Mode C, Mode S
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.2Explain SSR code management2Discrete, non-discrete codes, special codes
BASIC EQPSB 5.3.3Explain the effect of antenna shadowing on SSR operation.2
Subtopic EQPSB 5.4 — Use of radars
BASIC EQPSB 5.4.1Explain the use of PSR/SSR in area, approach and aerodrome control.2Mode A, Mode C, Mode S, SMR Optional content: DFTI
BASIC EQPSB 5.4.2Explain the advantages and disadvantages of PSR/SSR.2

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 6 — AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE
Subtopic EQPSB 6.1 — Principles of automatic dependent surveillance
BASIC EQPSB 6.1.1State the different applications of ADS.1ADS-B, ADS-C
BASIC EQPSB 6.1.2Explain the working principles of ADS.2
Subtopic EQPSB 6.2 — Use of automatic dependent surveillance
BASIC EQPSB 6.2.1Describe the use of ADS in ATC.2Area, approach, aerodrome, ICAO Doc 4444
BASIC EQPSB 6.2.2Explain the limitations of ADS.2Dependency on GNSS, dependency on airborne equipment

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 6 — AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE
Subtopic EQPSB 6.1 — Principles of automatic dependent surveillance (ADS)
BASIC EQPSB 6.1.1State the different applications of ADS.1ADS-B, ADS-C
BASIC EQPSB 6.1.2Explain the working principles of ADS.2
Subtopic EQPSB 6.2 — Use of automatic dependent surveillance (ADS)
BASIC EQPSB 6.2.1Describe the use of ADS in ATC.2Area, approach, aerodrome, ICAO Doc 4444
BASIC EQPSB 6.2.2Explain the limitations of ADS.2Dependency on GNSS, dependency on airborne equipment

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 7 — MULTILATERATION
Subtopic EQPSB 7.1 — Principles of multilateration
BASIC EQPSB 7.1.1State the different applications of MLAT.1Optional content: ATC, environmental management, airport operations, LAM, WAM
BASIC EQPSB 7.1.2Explain the working principles of MLAT.2Optional content: passive and active MLAT
Subtopic EQPSB 7.2 — Use of multilateration
BASIC EQPSB 7.2.1Describe the use of MLAT in ATC.2Area, approach, aerodrome
BASIC EQPSB 7.2.2Explain the limitations of MLAT.2Dependency on airborne equipment

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 7 — MULTILATERATION
Subtopic EQPSB 7.1 — Principles of multilateration (MLAT)
BASIC EQPSB 7.1.1State the different applications of MLAT.1Optional content: ATC, environmental management, airport operations, LAM, WAM
BASIC EQPSB 7.1.2Explain the working principles of MLAT.2Optional content: passive and active MLAT
Subtopic EQPSB 7.2 — Use of multilateration (MLAT)
BASIC EQPSB 7.2.1Describe the use of MLAT in ATC.2Area, approach, aerodrome
BASIC EQPSB 7.2.2Explain the limitations of MLAT.2Dependency on airborne equipment

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 8 — SURVEILLANCE DATA PROCESSING
Subtopic EQPSB 8.1 — Surveillance data networking
BASIC EQPSB 8.1.1Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different surveillance technologies.2Data quality, coverage, refresh rate, reliability, redundancy, cost-effectiveness
BASIC EQPSB 8.1.2Describe the implementation of Surveillance Data Networks.2Optional content: different technologies/sensors, network
Subtopic EQPSB 8.2 — Working principles of surveillance data networking
BASIC EQPSB 8.2.1Explain the working principles of surveillance data processing.2Track fusion process, surveillance information presented on CWP
BASIC EQPSB 8.2.2State other use of processed surveillance data.1Optional content: safety nets, airport operations, environmental management

[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 8 —DATA PROCESSING
Subtopic EQPSB 8.1 — Surveillance data networking
BASIC EQPSB 8.1.1Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different surveillance technologies.2Data quality, coverage, refresh rate, reliability, redundancy, cost-effectiveness
BASIC EQPSB 8.1.2Describe the implementation of Surveillance Data Networks.2Optional content: different technologies/sensors, network
Subtopic EQPSB 8.2 — Working principles of surveillance data networking
BASIC EQPSB 8.2.1State the working principles of surveillance data processing.1Surveillance information presented on CWP
BASIC EQPSB 8.2.2State other use of processed surveillance data.1Optional content: safety nets, airport operations, environmental management
Subtopic EQPSB 8.3 — Flight data processing
BASIC EQPSB 8.3.1Explain the FDPS core functions.2Optional content: system flight plan, data input, SSR code management, coordination, correlation/decorrelation, etc.

[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

TOPIC EQPSB 9 — FUTURE EQUIPMENT
Subtopic EQPSB 9.1 — New developments
BASIC EQPSB 9.1.1State the developments in the equipment field for introduction in the near future.1
TOPIC EQPSB 10 — AUTOMATION IN ATS
Subtopic EQPSB 10.1 — Principles of automation
BASIC EQPSB 10.1.1Describe the principles of automation in communication and data links in ATS.2
Subtopic EQPSB 10.2 — Aeronautical fixed telecommunication network (AFTN)
BASIC EQPSB 10.2.1Describe the principles of AFTN.2
Subtopic EQPSB 10.3 — Online data interchange
BASIC EQPSB 10.3.1Describe the benefits of automatic exchange of ATS data in coordination and transfer processes.2Accuracy, speed and safety, non-verbal communication
BASIC EQPSB 10.3.2Describe the limitations of automatic exchange of ATS data in coordination.2Non-recognition of a system’s failure
Subtopic EQPSB 10.4 — Systems used for the automatic dissemination of information
BASIC EQPSB 10.4.1State the working principles of broadcasting systems.1Optional content: ATIS, VOLMET
BASIC EQPSB 10.4.2Explain the use of ATIS and VOLMET in ATS.2Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, ICAO Annex 3
TOPIC EQPSB 11 — WORKING POSITIONS
Subtopic EQPSB 11.1 — Working position equipment
BASIC EQPSB 11.1.1Recognise equipment in a working position.1Optional content: FPB, radio, telephone and other communications equipment, relevant maps and charts, strip printer, teleprinter, clock, information monitors, situation displays
Subtopic EQPSB 11.2 — Aerodrome control
BASIC EQPSB 11.2.1Recognise equipment to be found specifically in a TWR.1Optional content: wind indicator, aerodrome traffic monitor, SMR, crash alarm, signalling lamp, lighting control panel, runway-in-use indicator, binoculars, signalling/flare gun, IRVR and altimeter-setting indicators, local information systems
Subtopic EQPSB 11.3 — Approach control
BASIC EQPSB 11.3.1Recognise equipment to be found specifically in an APP.1Optional content: sequencing system, PAR, RVR indicators
Subtopic EQPSB 11.4 — Area control
BASIC EQPSB 11.4.1Recognise equipment to be found specifically in an ACC.1

AMC · AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) — Regulation (EU) 2015/340 · ED Decision 2023/011/R · ATCO Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 14 Jun 2024

All rules in COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2015/340

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 14 Jun 2024, extracted 17 Aug 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.

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