Air Traffic Control Tower Lab

Students manage air traffic in a realistic virtual control tower using advanced simulation technology. The lab ensures graduates meet FAA-aligned technical standards.

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower Lab is a high-fidelity simulation of air traffic control in a Visual Flight Rules Tower utilizing the latest UFA, Inc. technology. The lab simulates all major positions in a control tower, including local control, ground control and flight data/clearance delivery.

The simulator utilizes digital voice communication, Airport Surface Detection Equipment, tower radar displays and electronic flight strips. Instructors simulate the fictitious ATC tower used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy and the ATC tower located at Daytona Beach International Airport.

This hands-on environment ensures students gain practical experience in proper ATC procedures while meeting the FAA Academy’s technical curriculum.

Equipment

• Three Control Tower Simulators with 270-degree view
• Six Pseudo Pilot Stations
• One Supervisor Station
• AI-Assisted Voice Recognition
• Full Recording Capability

Research Capacity

Research on stress levels, workload and other human factors issues can be completed using this resource. Prior work has supported the FAA NextGen project.