Recommendations for next generation air traffic control training

Abstract

This paper investigates the current uses of simulation in FAA Academy ATC training in an effort to identify potential improvement areas to the current training program in the areas of simulation and course content. Once identified, recommendations for changes to the current training program can be made. A thorough literature review of current training techniques used at the FAA Academy and training centers was conducted. The primary findings of this research revealed that training is predominantly accomplished via traditional classroom-based instruction, with complementing low-, medium-, and high-fidelity simulation labs. Recommendations made regarding the FAA ATC training process include the incorporation of web-based training technologies, the addition of voice recognition and synthesis technologies to current simulators, and updating current simulators to include recording and playback features.