SUNY Schenectady Takes The Lead in Training Future Air Traffic Controllers With New ATC Simulator

SUNY Schenectady 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.

This is the same equipment used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps Air Stations in the U.S. and around the world, as well as FAA facilities across the country. 

Madeleine Wood, Aviation student, tries the new Air Traffic Control simulator during a special unveiling on Jan. 29.

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

Reggie Wilson, Air Traffic Control major, tries the new Air Traffic Control simulator. 

Reggie Wilson, Air Traffic Control major, moved to the area from Dallas, Texas, to complete the ATC program at SUNY Schenectady. Before SUNY Schenectady, he studied at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Okla., and worked as an Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee. He decided to attend SUNY Schenectady to obtain further certification as a control room operator.

"The simulator is phenomenal," he said. "Between the weather, the sun setting, real scenarios. You can talk to AI aircraft. It’s a job well done by SUNY Schenectady," he said.  

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.

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.”