By Charlotte Bue, Senior Manager, ATSEP Program
November 12 marks International Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Day, recognizing the vital contributions of the specialists who install, design, maintain, and support the ground-based electronic and software systems essential to air navigation and air traffic management worldwide.
At Aireon, our team — together with our partners at L3Harris and Iridium — includes 82 ATSEP professionals. Aireon ATSEP personnel provide product surveillance, data processing, system monitoring, and system control support to maintain the integrity and reliability of Aireon’s services. Each ATSEP professional plays a key role in supporting our global customers’ safety and operational objectives through Aireon’s ADS-B data services.
Aireon’s competence standards require all ATSEPs to be fully trained and certified before assuming their roles. Competence standards vary depending on the role, referred to as the ATSEP rating or endorsement. Aireon currently oversees 15 distinct ratings and endorsements, including those held by contracted personnel. This commitment to excellence is reinforced through ongoing education, development initiatives, and annual certification renewals to ensure continued proficiency and performance.
All new hires identified as ATSEP personnel are enrolled in the online ATSEP Basic Training program. This training introduces new employees to Aireon’s technology, safety and security practices, Aireon Integrated Management System (AIMS), and other key topics. New hires are given 30 days to complete this phase.
Following the completion of basic training, each new ATSEP is paired with an On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI) to develop role-specific qualification skills. This includes training in software, hardware, processes, procedures, checklists, and other operational competencies. The duration of qualification training varies based on the complexity of the role and other factors, as determined by the functional area leadership.
Upon completion of both the basic and qualification training phases, the ATSEP’s competence is evaluated under the oversight of a certified Competence Assessor. This assessment includes written, oral, and practical demonstrations of skill. To pass and receive an endorsement, an ATSEP must achieve a score of 80% or higher.
As ATSEPs hold positions of public trust, they undergo annual competence assessments to validate ongoing proficiency. These evaluations ensure continued compliance with Aireon standards and provide assurance to our customers and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“To me, being an ATSEP professional means helping aviation professionals and customers all around the world,” said Aireon Service Desk Technician Adam Abuelhawa.
“Our ATSEPs are a key asset in Aireon, because they play a vital role in ensuring the continued viability of our ongoing mission: to accelerate enhancements in safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for the aviation industry through innovations using our global, precise aviation and surveillance data. Thank you to each and every one of you, for the care and attention you bring to work. It is much appreciated!” said Aireon Vice President, Safety & Compliance, Mike Boyd.
