Air Traffic Management (ATM) today relies on innovative electronic tools, such as stripless systems, which have gradually replaced the traditional paper strips long used by air traffic controllers.
For nearly 15 years, ENAC has been training its future air traffic controllers on this system.
But what is a strip, and why is this digital transition so important?
From paper strips to stripless: a technological revolution
Traditionally, air traffic controllers used a system combining raw radar images with paper strips. These strips contained essential flight information, such as aircraft registration and type, departure and destination airports, as well as various control instructions. They also served as a means to note orders and anticipate air traffic organisation.
With stripless systems, all this data is now integrated directly into the radar display, providing a smoother and more optimised traffic management process.
The advantages of stripless systems
The adoption of stripless technology has significantly transformed the work of air traffic controllers, offering several major benefits:
- Centralised information: No need to switch between multiple tools; all flight data is instantly accessible on the radar screen,
- dvanced graphical tools: Colour coding, situation groupings, and an "agenda" strip improve visibility and provide a more intuitive approach to managing flights,
- Increased capacity: Without the physical constraints of paper strip boards, controllers can manage a greater number of aircraft simultaneously.
Training adapted to industry requirements
Aware of technological advancements in the aviation sector, ENAC integrated stripless technology from its inception, in collaboration with Eurocontrol and its own technical teams. Our students benefit from training delivered by experienced instructors, ensuring they acquire skills that are directly applicable in operational environments. By providing access to the latest tools, ENAC trains the air traffic controllers of tomorrow and enables them to operate in an environment at the forefront of innovation.
