DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED AERODROME CONTROL TOWER SIMULATOR LABORATORY FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING

Abstract

The increasing complexity of air traffic operations requires advanced training systems to improve controller competency, situational awareness, and operational decision-making. This study aimed to develop an integrated aerodrome control tower simulator laboratory for Air Traffic Control (ATC) training using a Research and Development (R&D) approach. The research adopted an iterative and human-centered development process comprising requirements analysis, system design, prototype development, system integration, functional verification, and human-in-the-loop validation. Data were collected through system requirement analysis, prototype testing, operational observation, and documentation review, while the developed system was evaluated using functional and descriptive analyses. The simulator integrates progressive scenario-based training, panoramic tower visualization, radar displays, pseudo-pilot communication, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), replay systems, and instructor supervision within a unified training environment. The results indicate that the developed simulator supports operational realism, procedural learning, situational awareness, and objective competency assessment through synchronized logs and replay-based evaluation. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a modular, locally maintainable ATC simulator laboratory that integrates visualization, radar simulation, communication systems, pseudo-pilot interaction, and performance evaluation into a single platform. The proposed laboratory offers a scalable, sustainable solution for aviation education and ATC training.