OKC Trainees To Be First In US To Use New Devices
Thousands of air traffic controller trainees in Oklahoma City
will become the first in the country to train using new state of
the art simulators beginning September 2, US Secretary of
Transportation Mary E. Peters announced Friday.
"Choosing the best candidates is important, giving them the best
training and technology possible is essential," Peters said. "These
simulators will give us better air traffic controllers and will
make our skies safer."
Peters said the simulators, which are being installed at the
Federal Aviation Administration’s Monroney Aeronautical
Center in Oklahoma City, will give controller trainees a
near-lifelike learning environment. She added that the new
technology was needed to help prepare the record number of new
controllers the federal government will be hiring and training over
the coming years.
"This is a huge step toward making our skies safer and the air
traffic control system even more efficient. Oklahoma City has long
been the home of air traffic control training for our nation and I
am thrilled that we are now home to this exciting new technology,"
said Congresswoman Mary Fallin, who was with Peters during the
visit to the facility.
Peters and Fallin visited the facility to see first hand how the
1,451 students at the facility are learning to become new air
traffic controllers and aircraft inspectors. During the facility
tour, the DOT Secretary saw a demonstration of the new simulators
in action and observed several classes.
"I welcome today’s announcement by Secretary Peters
regarding the addition of new simulators at the FAA academy in
Oklahoma City," said Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe. "This dynamic
training tool is designed to provide a real life training
experience and is expected to significantly cut training times.
Importantly, these new simulators will mean that the FAA academy
will continue to be the premier training facility for Air Traffic
controllers."
The facility’s simulators are able to recreate air traffic
conditions at virtually any airport in the world.
"When our trainees take their place in the field, they will be
among the very best in the world. Secretary Peters also noted that
the new simulators will not only be used to train new controllers,
saying that the high-tech systems will also be used to help current
controllers sharpen their skills and prepare for new
assignments."