Software Challenges of a Web-based Air Traffic Control Training Tool

Through a recent project for the FAA Academy, an ATC Scenario Training Technology (ASTT) is being developed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide the Academy students with an online tool to practice various En Route scenarios specified by the FAA. Our proposed ATC Scenario Training Technology (ASTT) is currently being developed as a Web-based ERAM training tool, designed to provide a recreation of the ERAM's core functionality with the ability to load/create/modify scenarios. The tool will allow for students to select an instructor-provided scenario and switch between the R-Side and EDST contexts in real time. The challenges of designing such a system are mainly constrained to the team development environment, interface design, scenario simulation, and user response processing domains, but the overall architecture needs to be considered closely. This paper reports on the challenges in designing and developing the underlying ASTT software technology as a computationally intensive and multifaceted system, specifically in the domains of the technology stack selection and development environment creation. ASTT prototype architecture (both front-end and back-end) will also be presented and discussed. In addition, the proposed architecture for project execution will be addressed.