Various air traffic control simulators are available for amateurs and students, including online options like NASA’s basic simulator and the VATSIM network’s more realistic game. Those interested in a career in airspace control can earn degrees from FAA-approved institutions with on-site simulators.
There are many types of air traffic control simulators available that offer varying degrees of difficulty and realism. Program designs accommodate amateurs who want a taste of the profession and students who are actually participating in a professional air traffic controller (ATC) training program. Non-professional programs offer users the opportunity to learn about an air traffic control system in the comfort of their home, while performing tasks on a personal computer. Many colleges and universities across the country offer degree courses in air traffic control. Instructions include radar and non-radar simulations that give students experience of real air traffic control situations.
Students and others interested in getting a taste of air traffic direction can visit the National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) website, which has one of the most basic air traffic control simulators online. The simulator features a variety of runways where individuals direct incoming aircraft, regulating the plane’s route and speed. Beginning air controllers gain experience by choosing levels that provide two to five planes. Each level of control contains several problem scenarios in which individuals learn to safely direct traffic.
Beginning airspace controllers looking for a more realistic experience use air traffic control simulators on the Virtual Air Simulation Simulation (VATSIM) network, a large and complex online game. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoy free membership on the site and interact with real-life flight scenarios. After being registered on the site, members choose one of six divisions located around the world. Entry-level air controllers participate in the site’s online training program, which contains five levels of instruction. The training program introduces students to theory and provides hands-on lessons in flight terminology and control procedures.
Each level of training provides documentation as well as visual and audio learning resources that guide students through the course. Before advancing to the next level of training, participants complete theory tests, which require a minimum passing score of 80%, followed by hands-on challenge tests. The VATSIM website teaches controllers the methodology behind safely managing incoming and outgoing ground and air traffic flow, while helping pilots. The realistic scenarios presented by simulators tend to attract professionals who want to improve their skills by encountering various possible situations.
Individuals interested in a career in airspace control generally earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from institutions approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to general courses and classroom lectures, students also gain hands-on experience on on-site air traffic control simulators. Instructors use radar and non-radar simulators, which contain customizable exercises designed for various levels of training. Each exercise has a grading system that deducts points and lists errors. The simulated exercises also feature replay, record, and replay functions, which give students the opportunity to review and learn from the various scenarios they’ve responded to.
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