NTL Record

Title Evaluation of an Out-of-the-Window Air Traffic Control Tower Simulation for Controller Training
Record ID 33637
Personal Name
Creator
Nadler, Eric
Source 65p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration
Publication Date 19960900
Language English
Abstract This study gathered evidence concerning the potential usefulness of out-of-the-window air traffic control tower simulation for training tower controllers. Data were collected from all ten developmental controllers who completed simulation training at Chicago O'Hare International Airport during 1994. The simulation included one controller position, outbound ground control. An out-of-the-window view was projected on three visual displays which approximated the size of actual tower windows. Aircraft were representative of O'Hare, and appeared to move in three dimensions on the displays. The simulation could display the entire airport, but only 135 degrees could be seen at a time and no inbound aircraft were simulated. After five weeks of simulation training, the trainees became certified on outbound ground control in 25X fewer days than trainees who received the same amount of traditional training. However, the trainees using the simulation needed only slightly (5%) fewer total hours to become certified on this tower position. Evidence suggested that the simulation increased the trainees' working speed, enabling them to work under busier conditions, and hence more hours per day. Expert ratings of eight ground control skills based on actual tower observations were all higher following simulation training than following traditional training.
Rosap ID dot:8712
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/8712
TRT Terms Air traffic controllers; Automation; Simulation; Training programs; Human factors; Airport control towers
General Subjects air traffic control; simulation; training; air traffic control towers; air traffic control tower simulation; outbound ground control; developmental controllers
Classification NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Contract Number FA6L1/A6112
Report Number DOT-VNTSC-FAA-96-14; DOT/FAA/AR-96/107
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/33000/33600/33637/33637.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository