Now Controllers Can Simulate Training Instead Of Waiting For The Real Thing

Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota is now using the state-of-the-art Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) air radar, the first such system overseas in the Defense Department.

The new radar system replaced an aging analog system that used 1960s technology. The Federal Aviation Administration Flight Check was completed July 15, certifying the system for use after nearly four years of planning, installation and testing.

Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Mike Gonzales, NAVSTA Rota’s radar chief, said the new system comes with numerous benefits for the operators and technicians.

"The previous system did not allow the controllers much in the way of professional development," Gonzales said. "STARS allows us to simulate air traffic for training purposes. Using the old system, we would have to wait for actual flights to train our [air traffic] controllers."

With built-in software, the digital STARS allows controllers the ability to simulate any number of inbound and outbound air traffic, and the target simulators perform with the same type of climb, descent and turn rates, with approach speeds of the actual type of aircraft it is simulating. This simulator has the ability to run a 200-aircraft training scenario with any type of military or civilian aircraft.

"We can make one contact (aircraft) a C-5, another one a C-12, or a helicopter or a Hornet or whatever," Gonzales said. "The training our controllers can get now is limited only by the imagination of the training team. We can even simulate different weather conditions."

"This system puts the controller closer to real world situations," said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Robert Bradshaw, air traffic controller leading chief.

Brian Wottowa, an engineer with Space and Naval Warfare Systems (SPAWAR) who helped install and test the STARS, compared the upgrade from the old black and green blip radar to the new system like going from the Pong video game to the new Xbox game system.

The technicians from Ground Electronics Maintenance Division (GEMD) also reap the benefits of less maintenance.

"It’s much better for the technicians who have to maintain this gear," said Chief Electronics Technician (SW) Ken Reynolds. "There’s less of a management burden in the upkeep of the old radar system and takes about half the technicians as the old system to maintain."

Bradshaw and Gonzales are excited about the system for many reasons, but mostly for the sake of the young controllers whose responsibility is to guide airplanes safely to touchdown. The computer tracks altitude, ground speed and direction of all aircraft within its 60-mile range. This system is much more "controller friendly," and information that once was dependent upon controller memory is now just a touch of a button away.

"We’re now able to provide safer, more expeditious service to the aircraft in our area of responsibility, and the training we can give our young Sailors is invaluable," Gonzales added. "We’re giving the fleet better air traffic controllers when they leave Rota for their next duty assignment."

Gonzales said Rota was chosen as the first overseas military location for the STARS because of the traditionally low amount of air traffic. He said Rota is the perfect test platform for other overseas locations, joining the four stateside sites in Norfolk (VA), Camp Pendelton (CA), Patuxent River (CA), and Willow Grove (PA) in operating STARS.

The automated new system is not just a new radar screen and computer. The upgrade comes with new radar, refurbishing of the air tower, a new radar control facility, and a new communications suite and radios. The upgrade is part of the $75 million en route project that will expand the parking apron for wide-body aircraft and many more airfield improvements.

(ANN salutes Chief Journalist (SW) Dan Smithyman, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs)

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/rota