UFA, Inc. announced a partnership with Metacraft, a developer of Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulation systems. By integrating Metacraft’s recognized en route training components into UFA’s premier simulation platform, UFA will now deliver a unique, gate-to-gate air traffic controller training solution that exceeds all FAA requirements.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently projected a continued deficit of air traffic controllers, which has already resulted in overwork among controllers and may contribute to an increase in flight delays and safety-related incidents, underscoring the urgent need for effective and efficient training solutions.
To address the issue, the FAA has taken significant steps, including creating the Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) to empower selected colleges and universities to place qualifying students directly into FAA ATC facilities. These programs may not only increase the number of trained air traffic controllers but may also provide a path to ATC careers for those who cannot relocate for long periods of training. To participate in AT-CTI, however, many schools will need to upgrade both their curriculum and technology to meet FAA requirements.
UFA’s technology is already in use by the FAA and ATC training programs in colleges, universities, trade schools, high schools, and aviation associations. The expanded offering, which integrates components of Metacraft’s en route training capability, allows training programs to acquire or upgrade their technology to meet FAA AT-CTI standards with a unified, gate-to-gate training platform built with the latest generation of speech recognition and visualization technology. Additionally, the solution can include phraseology training and multi-touch and extended-reality tools, enhancing the learning experience for students.
Lawrence Pennett, President of UFA, Inc., stated, “We are proud to partner with Metacraft to provide a best-in-class solution for Air Traffic Control training. Our goal is always to prepare today’s students to manage tomorrow’s complex airport environments, safely and efficiently.”
Key products from UFA, Inc. in the all-in-one solution include ATTower and ATRadar, and can be expanded with ATSpeak, ATLIVE, and ATXR.
UFA’s ATTower is recognized as a leading simulator for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP), military organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. It meets the objectives of basic, intermediate, and advanced ATC training programs, offering a high-fidelity Tower and Radar simulator suitable for both civilian and military training.
ATSpeak, which uses state-of-the-art speech recognition technology, serves as an e-learning system for aviation phraseology and skills, while ATLIVE allows users to interact with dynamic airport traffic situations through multi-touch gestures and speech recognition. ATXR provides training in a mixed-reality environment, and ATCloud enables the generation of reports and exportable student records.
The new system also integrates additional en route training components from Metacraft, including training with En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and En Route Decision Support Tool (EDST). EDST leverages current and predicted radar and flight plan data to alert controllers of potential conflicts, which increases efficiency and alleviates routine tasks by automating conflict prediction and tests of amended plans.
Ross Carlson, Owner of Metacraft, stated, “I am pleased to work with UFA to create an all-in-one ATC solution that can support training programs across the U.S. This is a crucial step forward in promoting the safety of air travel, as well as creating more paths to becoming an air traffic controller.”
The integration of UFA, Inc. and Metacraft’s technology in support of ATC training programs across the U.S. represents a significant advancement toward addressing the nation’s air traffic controller shortage.
