Airfield simulator offers air traffic controllers smooth transition Published April 1, 2009 By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien 95 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the past, air traffic controllers moved toy airplanes on boards intended to look like a base's airfield in preparation for real world air traffic control functions. Now each Airman operates real life scenarios at real time through the Tower Simulation System. The simulator offers features that present new air traffic controllers with local area procedures and probable contingencies. This includes word recognition, realistic Edwards traffic flow, an exact replica of Edwards' airfield and instructor interaction throughout every simulation. "The scenarios they encounter on the simulator prepare them for the base's unique challenges," said Bruce Strong, 412th Operations Squadron Tower Simulation System administrator. "There are seasonal occurrences that an Airman might not otherwise come across in any other training but because of this simulator, we can replicate that and have them prepared for it." The simulator is a complete replica of Edwards' airfield, thereby helping trainees become familiarized on the base's airport operations. "This provides a complete 360 degree view of Edwards' entire Airfield," said Mr. Strong. "In addition to traffic patterns and airfield, it also prepares the air traffic controllers to face any weather they could come across here." When a new Airman arrives from technical school, they begin a four-part training. First is front load training, a classroom-based learning where they are taught about the base's airfield. Next, they learn equipment knowledge, and the purpose of every piece of equipment they will use. The third block of instruction is general air traffic control knowledge, which is an in-depth localized version of what they learned at technical school. Finally, they are required to complete six different scenarios designed to test them in different aspects of the career field. The Tower Simulation System reduces the amount of time required for each air traffic controller to train because, unlike the process, the simulator provides scenarios that an air traffic controller can expect when they begin working in the tower. "We have specific scenarios designed for each level of training and intended to measure the trainees' skills in particular areas," said Mr. Strong. "This prepares them to work local traffic by getting them used to patterns that they will only see at Edwards." If an instructor notices a trainee is having difficulty with a certain aspect of the training, they can have them work on that simulation until they get better at it, said Mr. Strong. This will increase their probability for success when they do it for real. "The extra practice this simulator gives them is crucial to their success," he said. " This simulator not only allows them to go over any of their problem areas, but the trainer can also pause the scenario at any time or cancel any action the trainee makes. We can explain to them what they did wrong and what they need to do to correct it." Prior to a deployment, Airmen are also trained on nuances that are only seen while in a deployed location. The simulator can load a special desert map to prepare Airmen for deployment. confronting them with unique things they'll encounter while deployed so when they get there, they're better prepared. Mr. Strong said he is pleased with the simulator, because it prepares Airmen for air traffic control both here and while deployed. "This simulation is as close to the real thing as you can possibly get without actually going up into the tower and doing traffic," he said. "When Airmen are finished with this training, they've encountered every possible scenario they can come across while they're here."