Abstract
This paper investigates current and future uses of simulation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) training program to identify potential improvement areas in the areas of simulation technologies and course content. Once identified, recommendations for changes to the current training program are made. A literature review of the current training techniques used at the FAA Academy and training centers was conducted. In addition, interviews were held and surveys were distributed to collect data regarding a variety of ATC training interest areas, such as virtual reality, current maintenance schedules, and simulator features. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted to determine the potential improvement areas with the highest feasibility for implementation and the highest potential to reduce training costs and/or time. The primary findings of this research revealed three feasible improvement areas to the current training process and simulation technologies: (1) reducing the dependence on instructors during simulation training, (2) utilizing web-based training methods, and (3) updating current simulator systems to include new features, such as recording and playback features. These changes were recommended to be implemented first, with voice recognition and virtual reality improvement areas being recommended as priority focus areas for future studies and/or implementation.
Highlights
With advancements in computer simulation and visual graphics capabilities, the use of advanced flight simulation training devices in general aviation has increased significantly
As pilot and air traffic control (ATC) training programs constitute a large area of research, improvements to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy’s ATC training process is the primary focus of this study
All official training for air traffic control starts at the FAA Academy, which is located in Oklahoma
Summary
With advancements in computer simulation and visual graphics capabilities, the use of advanced flight simulation training devices in general aviation has increased significantly. A variety of simulation training devices and technologies are utilized in every phase of current pilot and air traffic control (ATC). As technology rapidly improves, current training devices can become outdated and less effective than when first implemented in a training program, leading to training inefficiencies and increased training times [1,2]. Previous ATC training and knowledge varies in each of these three pools, resulting in a wide range of skill levels as developmental ATCs begin training at the FAA Academy. At the FAA Academy, ATC training consists of three main phases: air traffic academics, part-task training, and skills building. To evaluate if a developmental ATC has successfully acquired the essential knowledge needed to be successful as an air traffic controller, all job jeopardy courses utilize a cumulative scoring process consisting of multiple performance assessments and written tests [2]. A developmental ATC must achieve a score of 70 points out of 100 total points to pass the course and continue training at an on-site facility [3]
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