Photo above – Reggie Wilson, Air Traffic Control student at SUNY Schenectady, tries the new Air Traffic Control simulator at SUNY Schenectady during a special unveiling on Jan. 29, 2025. Photo Credit: SUNY Schenectady
SUNY Schenectady has unveiled its new Air Traffic Control simulator, as the College continues to be at the forefront of aviation training in the region, responding to a national need for qualified Air Traffic Controllers as identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The simulator is the largest and most comprehensive at a community college east of the Mississippi River.
The ATC Simulator features:
- Three ATC Tower stations for ultra-realistic training
- Seven 75” monitors for 215 degrees of complete tower immersion
- Four radar TRACON stations for multi-training scenarios and realism
- Seven Remote Pilot stations for real human-voice responses and pilotage
- FAA Academy Curriculum for the BEST in ATC Training
SUNY Schenectady offers an A.A.S. degree program in Air Traffic Control and an A.S. degree program in Aviation Science with a pilot or non-pilot administration and management option.
Local Air Traffic Control and Aviation professionals, students, professors, College administrators, and governmental leaders gathered in the Stockade Building on campus to experience the new simulator, which was developed by UFA, Inc., the world’s premier developer of simulation and training systems for Air Traffic Control and Airport Operation.
Dr. Steady Moono, SUNY Schenectady President, said, “The competitive advantage our students will be afforded by training with our new Air Traffic Control simulator is unmatched. This is an amazing opportunity for students to train on incredibly realistic equipment, as if they are in an actual tower, with realistic scenarios, commands, and interactions with pilots. We are extremely proud to serve as the only community college in the East with this high-level Air Traffic Control simulator as we train future Air Traffic Controllers.”
New York State Senator Patricia Fahy, said, “SUNY Schenectady is leading not just New York State, but every state east of the Mississippi when it comes to training Air Traffic Controllers. SUNY Schenectady’s state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulator will ensure that the next generation of ATCs are trained right here in the Capital Region, and attract a new class of aspiring aviation professionals, ready to meet the growing demand for ATCs across the country and fill the more than 2,000 projected vacancies just in this field. Kudos to SUNY Schenectady for continuing to innovate and meet our aviation workforce needs and demands.”
Amy Parish, Vice President, North America Programs for UFA, Inc., said, “UFA is proud to support SUNY Schenectady to educate future air traffic controllers for the FAA’s critically staffed workforce. With UFA’s advanced technology integrated into SUNY’s top-notch curriculum, Schenectady students will be well-prepared for the future of aviation.”
