Learn how MINT’s training management solution can expedite lengthy onboarding processes and ongoing training programs for flight crews and ATCs
Bottlenecks in air traffic controller onboarding are sending shockwaves through the aviation industry as short-staffed air control towers impact safety and operations around the world. Additionally, fluctuating air travel demand and losses resulting from the pandemic have compelled airlines to control costs, maximize efficiency, and scale flight crew operations more rapidly than ever.
MINT’s Training Management Software (TMS) can help expedite, streamline, and solve some of the operational challenges associated with the lengthy and complex onboarding process for air traffic controllers and flight crews.
Onboard faster using MINT TMS
Integrate with HR systems for a seamless data flow
- MINT’s robust API simplifies connections with third-party tools and HR platforms
- Streamline employee data workflows
- Eliminate HR discrepancies in training
Migrate data without knowing code
- Use MINT’s importer tool to quickly upload training records and employee data
- No coding or development resources needed
- Easy way to get new hires into the system fast
Design complex orientation and training curriculums
- Build orientation programs tailored to each role and level
- Create in-person or virtual events
- Design curriculums with layered proficiency tests and unique requirements
Build forms to use anywhere – even offline
- Pre-filled evaluation forms make digital grading faster and more accurate
- Instructors can work offline without losing functionality—perfect for use in simulators
Manage and track all qualifications and records
- Track proficiency tests, medical exams, and required qualifications digitally
- Robust reporting highlights potential training issues before they arise
Automatically schedule trainees
- Ensure no one slips through the cracks
- Automatically schedule training based on requirements
- Works with complex expiration dates and currency rules
Automate signoff processes for faster compliance
- Manual signoffs slow onboarding and waste time
- MINT automates training record approvals and stores them in real time
- Need extra verification? MINT’s Digital Signature add-on secures certifications and meets EASA part-147 standards
Optimize scheduling to maximize instructor resources
- Strategically plan a training schedule with just a few clicks
- Smart technology can maximize the full use of instructor training time
- Can determine the best schedule to train new hires when you’re already short-staffed
- Configure schedules based on any of the data tracked in your system
Forecast training demand to stay ahead
- Plan ahead to forecast and adjust training schedules based on employment type, role, or other factors.
- Prioritize contract staff, plan for vacations, and prepare for hiring surges
MINT’s proven success in transforming air traffic control training management
Skyguide manages air traffic in Switzerland and neighboring regions using MINT as its all-in-one compliance and training management. Learn how their transformation to digital compliance processes resulted in:
- Increased work and cost efficiencies
- Creation of better compliance processes
- More flexibility and transparency
- Improved data quality
Unique challenges in air traffic controller onboarding
Solving the United States’ nationwide shortage of FAA air traffic controllers (ATCs) is a critical task facing the aviation industry. Onboarding new air traffic controllers is a lengthy and complex process that involves several years of training. The FAA’s minimum requirements to qualify are tough, with only 10% of applicants meeting the qualifications to be accepted into the training program. Staffing shortages and operational demands make this essential training pathway a critical bottleneck for FAA training departments. Most notably:
- Long training timeline: After completing training at the FAA Academy, graduates must undergo an additional 2 to 3 years of training, including both on-the-job and classroom instruction.
- Limited instructor resources: Experienced instructors cannot work in the field while training, making it harder to provide training resources when facilities are already understaffed.
- Resource scheduling: Simulator time and classroom sessions must be carefully coordinated; however, legacy systems often lead to the inefficient use of expensive assets.
- Data fragmentation: Without a unified system, records and performance data remain siloed, making it hard to monitor trainee milestones and identify friction points.
- Regulatory compliance: Controllers must meet medical requirements in addition to national/international standards (e.g., FAA, FOCA), diligently track all certifications, and maintain meticulous records of their qualifications.
The challenges facing air traffic control staffing highlight the importance of using technology and more innovative processes to optimize every possible part of ATC onboarding and training. See more ways MINT TMS can be used to improve air traffic control training management.
Staying ahead of travel demand for flight crew operations
Managing flight crew operations presents similar onboarding challenges, including limited instructor resources, scheduling difficulties, and data fragmentation. While the passing rate is higher and the initial training time is shorter than those of ATCs, aviation operators must be able to quickly scale onboarding and ongoing training programs to control costs and maintain regulatory compliance.
Fast onboarding is essential to meet fluctuating demand
As the 2020 pandemic resulted in layoffs due to travel bans, it was followed by a sharp recovery in late 2022 with the resurgence of consumer travel. This meant airlines had to quickly hire and train flight crews to keep up with demand as the industry recovered. Without enough pilots and cabin crews to staff flights, airlines struggled to keep up with demand, exposing a major vulnerability.
Short-staffed operations leave no room for errors
- Manual processes can lead to delays at every checkpoint
- Operating with a limited flight crew requires strategic scheduling to maximize both instructor and trainee time
- Failure to keep up with training can ground flight crews and create a domino effect in flight delays, or result in hefty penalty fees
- Airlines unable to quickly ramp up staffing allow competitors to take a larger market share
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to invest in a high-performing training management system to improve onboarding processes for aviation operators to stay competitive. MINT TMS solves the onboarding bottleneck challenges.
Is your onboarding process optimized for maximum efficiency?
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