[Transcription for video - NextGen]
The video depicts an air traffic controller instructor from the FAA Academy on the right (Rob Mizell, AMA-512A) working with one of his students (Yoonjae Hyon from El Paso, Texas) on the left of the screen. . The training is occurring in Oklahoma City and they are controlling Simulated Pilots (Ghost Pilots) on the radar screen. These simulated pilots are generated from the Target Generation Facility (TGF) at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The training software they are using is a STARS ELITE system, normally used exclusively to train Electronic Technicians and Engineers. The software is owned by the FAA Academy’s Terminal Automation Section (AMA-421).
The STARS ELITE adaptation for this test was produced by the Gulf Coast Operational Support Facility (GCOSF) located in Houston, Texas. It was designed to use El Paso Air Space with several air space sectors and a full complement of ATC keyboard commands. The communication systems they are using are provided by Voice-Over IP (VOIP) and are routed through the NextGen Prototyping Network (NPN) to pilots in New Jersey.
This test demonstrates a proof of concept that has far reaching advantages for the FAA’s ability to test and teach NextGen products and services, bringing high fidelity to both efforts; which has only become possible through NPN connectivity. The connectivity is funded locally in Oklahoma City by the Flight Standards Service organization (AFS-440) and shared with the FAA Academy for proof-of-concept. The NPN was built and deployed by the WJHTC and connects FAA resources with MITRE, NASA, and other government and industry partners involved in research activities.