Game-Based Learning Systems for Air Traffic Controller Training

Research Problem

Air traffic controller training requires trainees to progress from learning aviation rules and procedures to applying them in dynamic traffic situations under time pressure.

High-fidelity ATC simulators are essential for advanced training, but they are expensive, require instructor supervision, and provide limited opportunities for trainees to repeatedly practise foundational competencies.

There is therefore an opportunity for game-based learning to complement classroom and simulator training by providing accessible environments in which probationary air traffic controllers (PATCOs) can practise core concepts before entering high-fidelity simulation.

Contributions

Our research develops and evaluates game-based learning systems for foundational air traffic control training in collaboration with the Singapore Aviation Academy.

Key contributions include:

• A Radar Vectoring Game for practising vectoring, conflict avoidance, and area-control concepts
• A Runway Sequencing Game for practising arrival merging, sequencing, and aircraft separation
• A Ground Traffic Management Game for practising aircraft movement between gates and runways
• A cloud-based platform that records trainee decisions and supports repeated scenario-based practice
• Deployment with 28 PATCO trainees across 36 scenarios, generating more than 3,000 gameplay instances
• Analysis of gameplay data and trainee feedback to refine scenario difficulty, performance measures, and scoring methods
• Progression from prototype development to an operationally tested learning-support platform at TRL 6

Research Funding

• National Research Foundation Singapore
  Game-Based Learning in PATCO Training
  Total Award: SGD 1,104,640

Research Collaboration

This research is conducted in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) to complement existing PATCO classroom and simulator-based training.