UMass pioneers training program for air traffic controllers using advanced simulator

In Chicopee, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is spearheading efforts to address the pressing shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. Inside the UMass Transportation Center, the university possesses one of the few 360-degree air traffic control tower simulators in the country. This advanced technology aims to enhance the training procedures for aspiring air traffic controllers, amidst a backdrop where current personnel numbers fall significantly short of the nation's needs. As highlighted by Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers' Association, approximately 10,800 certified controllers are currently employed, leaving a gap of nearly 3,500 controllers against the ideal workforce of 14,335. Striking incidents, such as the recent collision at Reagan National Airport involving an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, underscore the critical importance of well-trained air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that candidates must be under 31 years of age and undergo extensive training before qualifying for this role. This initiative by UMass not only aspires to provide practical, hands-on experience for the next generation of professionals but also addresses an industry in dire need of skilled workers. By utilizing this simulator technology, UMass aims to equip students with the necessary skills to tackle the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, ultimately seeking to improve public safety and enhance the efficiency of air traffic operations.