Integrating Advanced Technology into Air Traffic Controller Training

Abstract

Effective training for air traffic controllers is a critical component of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) mission of providing a safe and efficient national aerospace system. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) training program must address the training needs of newly hired controllers (students), ongoing refresher and skill enhancement training for Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs), and new technology and procedures training for students and CPCs. The current ATC training practices and methods have not kept pace with advancements in training technology and design. As a result, training for students and CPCs is costly, inefficient, subjective, and inconsistent. The current training system also does not have the flexibility or adaptability necessary to meet the need for training new technologies which may reduce the expected benefit of acquisitions. Since 2004, The MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development has been analyzing the FAA’s training processes and capabilities and exploring the application of advanced training technology to air traffic controller training. This research has demonstrated that training quality, standardization, efficiency, and availability can all be improved throught the use of advanced training technology.