What is CATC? The full form of CATC is Civil Aviation Training College. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the Civil Aviation Training College was founded in 1948 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is currently a part of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), a corporate entity created by an Act of Parliament in 1994.
It is an innovative institution charged with teaching people in the field of air navigation services. It provides ATC and CNS staff with competency-based training in accordance with international standards and procedures assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The state regulatory body, DGCA, and the international regulator, ICAO, oversee the extremely crucial safety-related training programs in air traffic control (ATC) and communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS).
The CNS training, which is technical in nature, serves to produce exceptionally qualified and skilled ATSEPs (Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel) to meet the very strict requirements of the critical air safety equipment forming the ANS infrastructure.
The ATM training, subject to meeting the requirements laid down for this purpose in ICAO Annex-I, produces ATCOs who have all the necessary equipment and the competence required for a more secure and efficient flow of air traffic. CATC, a worldwide standard for training in the field of air navigation services, is a full participant in the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS program. CATC is certified to ISO 9001:2008.
Facilities at CATC
Since its construction in January 1997, the new facility has undergone regular upgrades to its environmental support system and training infrastructure. The college is outfitted with state-of-the-art training facilities that meet global standards. In addition to its top-notch training facility, CATC offers the following amenities:
- Facilities for trainees in hostels: There are ten hostel complexes that can hold around 340 trainees. There are 28 double-bed rooms and 70 single-bed rooms with adjoining toilets in the senior section. There are fourteen double rooms in the ladies block for female trainees. There are 50 tastefully decorated dorm rooms with amenities including TV, fridge, and air conditioning.
- The cafeteria/mess: It serves full meals all day, starting with morning tea and ending with dinner. Hours of the Cafeteria:
Breakfast is served from 07:30 to 09:15.
Lunch is served from 12:45 to 14:15.
Dinner is served from 2030 to 2200 hours.
- Library: You may read and use the well-stocked, air-conditioned library. Numerous international publications, ICAO papers, magazines on aviation-related topics, and general books on science, fiction, and other themes are all stored in the resource center. Additionally, it offers the ability to read periodicals and newspapers. The internet and photocopying facilities are available for trainee use. Library hours: Monday through Friday, 1100 hours to 2000 hours (except GH and Sundays).
- Medical Facilities: Two doctors (MD) are on call for a limited time on all days of the week from 1400 to 1800 hours, with the exception of GH, and trainees receive medical assistance for mild illnesses. For patients in critical condition, an ambulance is accessible 24/7. Prayagraj has eight hospitals that are accredited. The closest accredited hospital is located two kilometers away from CATC.
- Gymnasium: The trainee housing building has a well-equipped gym with different hours for men and women.
- CATC Sports Facility: In the common area of the Jaldhara hostel, there are sports and leisure amenities such as a TV, table tennis, and carom. There is also a separate sports area available for football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, and lawn tennis. In addition to the sporting facilities mentioned above, trainees, teachers, and staff have access to a swimming pool, which has different hours for men and women.