Pulsar Consulting | AICM-AIXM E-Learning

AICM-AIXM E-Learning

The aeronautical Information Conceptual Model (AICM) provides a formal description of the information/data manage by the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS). It is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, the real world aeronautical Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) and other relevant documents and industry standards such as the ARINC 424 Specification.

Based on AICM, the Aeronautical Information Exchange Model (AIXM) has been developed, the main component being an XML schema. The European AIS database (EAD) implemented the AIXM-XML as the main format for data input/output. The AICM model is the basis for the implementation of the EAD Static Data Operations (SDO). Moreover, the AIXM is the basis on which the electronic AIP Specification is built.

Project Scope

Pulsar Consulting was in charge of developing an AICM-AIXM computer based training (CBT) to provide a user-friendly training that will enable understanding of the AICM-AIXM structures and their relationship with the current, more familiar, paper based Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP).

More Information

Please take a look at the advanced prototype of the AICM AIXM eLearning application.

Technologies

Flash
HTML/CSS
JavaScript
XML
SCORM
Graphical Design
WBT Methodology
LMS Interface

The two target audiences for this CBT are:

Staff engaged in current AIS operations that are able to cope with the introduction of Information Technology (IT) in their work environment.
IT Staff that has joined AIS has a consequence of the migration towards AIM and who requires the development of an understanding of AIS/ATM.

Therefore, the content organisation and level of information to be presented has to be carefully assessed in order to achieve the learning objectives for these two very different target audiences.

Application Scope

The AICM-AIXM learning material is very wide and we divided the training into 10 modules (described on next page). All modules propose a large variety of entertaining quizzes, animations and various interactions.
Through the different modules, the trainee will quickly and easily get to know the necessary material and have a detailed view of the AICM-AIXM model in all its complexity.

Moreover, the course interacts with a central server in order to track the trainee’s progress and to evaluate the results of the performed tests.

Course Material and Pedagogical Approach

To build this elearning course we had to:

gather information about AICM AIXM Model from various sources in order to determine the course material
choose the appropriate content from this material by consulting subject matter experts
decide the way to show information and compose the storyboard (a draft version of the final course).

After that, we concentrate our energy on the pedagogical aspect of the project, following our specific Pedagogical Methodology. Here, a few examples of the guidelines we adopted:

The matter should be introduced progressively, like the main business terms
Repetitions will help learning without effort
The content should be made attractive enough to keep the trainee focused on the course
Graphical representations are much easier to understand. It is proven by psychologists and neurologists that between the 5 basic senses, the sight is the most “powerful” mean to capture reality, thus the most used by the brain. This helps memorising images much easier and with more details than thru other senses.
A little touch of humour can help getting the trainees in a positive spirit to make the learning process more efficient.
The main guideline always remains KISS: “Keep It Simple and Stupid”.

The illustration below gives a glimpse over the pedagogical process.

Step 1: Raw learning material (first page of the illustration)
The first step is to gather the course material from all possible sources and validate it.

Step 2: Elaborated learning material (second page)
Then, we select the appropriate content and a better organization of the course structure is put in place : the information is split into the course modules and the modules are split into the course objectives.

Step 3: Storyboarding (third page)
After this task the content if enhanced with some concepts of interactivty : e.g. description of exercices, ideas of images, serious games etc. The learning objectives are also split into several pages when needed.

Step 4: Development (fourth page)
Last but not least, the final step : convert the storyboard into a fully functional Web Based Training and make it more concrete. Then, we have now a course with all kinds of different media and texts that will make the original content easy to learn and enjoyable.

Main Concepts and Terminology

In this section, through the different modules, we describe the business material.

Module 1: AICM/AIXM Introduction
A general introduction that explains the layout and functioning of the CBT and the basics and origins of AICM/AIXM.

Module 2: ER Modelling
Explains the basics of the Entity-Relationship Modelling (ERM). ERM is a very precise visual language that is used to produce conceptual diagrams like those that define the AICM.

Module 3: AICM General Concepts
Explains the AICM general concepts such as Position Group, Magnetic Variation, Borders and Areas, Vertices.

Module 4: Aerodrome and runway
Explains how AICM depicts and use the main concepts around the Aerodromes and Runways. Gates, stands, centreline, stopways, protection area, taxiway, apron : all these different aspects are fully and precisely covered in this chapter.

Module 5: Airspace
An Airspace is a three-dimensional volume of air. It is used to provide both pilots and controllers with a clear indication on how a flight may proceed within a certain portion of the atmosphere. This module explains what an airspace is and how it can be made up of different parts.

Module 6: Timetables
Explains the use of time restrictions and schedules, how they can be applied to aeronautical concepts and how they are represented in AICM. This module is divided into several topics:

The "General" topic outlines the extensive use of schedules to specify the availability of aeronautical features.
The "Coded Values" topic explores how simple codes can represent a series of different basic situations such as an aerodrome being open 24 hours a day.
Finally, the "Timesheets" topic builds upon the previous topic. It shows how more complex schedules, which can't simply be represented by a code, can be described in AICM.

Module 7: Navaids and Significant Points
Explains the concept of a significant point, which is a very important concept in aviation. Different kinds of radars and navigation aids are described in details as well as how it is used within AICM.

Module 8: ATS Routes
This module will introduce flight routes, what they are, how they are modelled in AICM and the way route usage is described. The route construction and usage is also depicted in depth.

Module 9: SID/STAR/IAP
Standard Instrument Departure (SID), Standard Instrument Arrival (STAR), Instrument Approavh Procedure (IAP).

Module 10: Services, Organisations & Units
The Organisations, Services & Units entities represent basically the groups involved in provisioning and consuming airspace system services.