New Simulators Give ERAU Students Real-World Air Traffic Control Training

Daytona Beach, FL – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has added new simulators to their air traffic management labs that actual air traffic controllers use.

Earlier this year, Embry-Riddle purchased the software and consoles to put in their en route and terminal radar labs. Now, students will be able to train more realistically than ever before. By training on these consoles and displays, students will have a strong foundation in the technology, especially if seeking employment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense or commercial air traffic facilities.

21-year-old Embry-Riddle senior Brandon Liden, who has wanted to be an air traffic controller since middle school, said: “This is exactly what they have in the field. It’s nice we’re able to get used to the same equipment.”

The technology is known as I-SIM ® ATM, created by Kongsberg Geospatial, a leader in the field. It is able to “stimulate” both air traffic control training, airspace design and analysis, advanced computer-human interface development and drone integration with the National Airspace System.

This technology is used by the FAA for Human Factors Engineering and airspace design and analysis. It is incredibly realistic and it is able to emulate real-world environments with its high level of realism.

“The I-Sim ATM simulator provides the most realistic opportunity for our students to experience what it’s like to work traffic in an en route or terminal radar environment,” said Dr. William Coyne, professor and program coordinator for Air Traffic. The new technology also allows students to conduct research on drones, airspace design, and modeling, and FAA projects.

In 10 years, 85% of current U.S. air traffic controllers will be able to retire, leaving 14,000 positions available. According to U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the FAA employs 13,800 air traffic controllers and hopes to hire 6,300 more in the next 5 years.

Coyne says that most Embry-Riddle grads are hired for training with the FAA Academy. Interest in the field has grown at Embry-Riddle, according to Coyne, making the university 1 of the 14 FAA designated Collegiate Training Initiative schools. Students often take part in internships with airline, aviation and air transportation companies to learn safety, training, dispatch, transportation and operations.

In 2016, the FAA chose Embry-Riddle to create the Air Transportation Center of Excellence (COE) for Technical Training and Human Performance. The FAA plans to invest $5 million into this collaboration with Embry-Riddle while the university will lead other research institutions and industry partners. Embry-Riddle will also be working with the Australian communications and information company, Frequentis, to conduct research about air traffic.

Several students in the program at Embry-Riddle explained why they are so excited about the new technology. These are their responses:

• “It’s been my dream to be an air traffic controller,” she said. “In this job, you have to be in control and manage. It fits my personality,” said 21-year-old Air Traffic Management senior, Cynthia Jean Francois.
• “It’s my passion. I like the challenge it creates and the teamwork,” said 21-year-old Air Traffic Management junior, Haley Dennis.
• “As a pilot, it’s also good to have that deeper understanding of the traffic system,” said 21-year-old Aeronautical Science major, Roemer Santos.
• “It makes it easier for situational awareness. It helps you see the whole picture better of what is going on,” said 21-year-old Air Traffic Management and Homeland Security senior, Michael Starkowski.
• “I like the fast-paced environment,” Adderley said. “And the new equipment is more user-friendly,” 21-year-old Air Traffic Management senior, Jacobi Adderley.
• “I’ve always loved aviation and puzzles. It’s a really challenging puzzle to get the aircraft where they need to be safely,” said 21-year-old Air Traffic Management senior, Adam Seltzer.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.