Farmingdale State College opens air traffic control simulation lab to aviation students

By Andrew Carlucci

Farmingdale State College has officially opened their high-tech air traffic control (ATC) simulation lab. The ATC lab will support students in all aviation programs as they learn how to take flight and navigate the skies. The opening of this new sim lab addresses a decade-long shortage of air traffic controllers, and its use will help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hire the next generation of air traffic controllers.

Fayaz Nasery, an aviation student at FSC, told RAMbler news about the fresh space and learning possibilities. “The room looked nothing like this, it’s very beautiful now”, said Nasery. “The great thing about this class is that it’s taught as if you have zero aviation knowledge, whether you are a private pilot, CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), or haven’t seen a plane in your life”. He tells RAMbler news that the simulations require extensive setup during downtime in order to provide a great learning experience.

Nasery says that the aviation students have always had access to FAA approved equipment, which provides a unique hands-on experience. Additionally, he emphasized that the same ATC class he took four years ago will be more immersive and realistic after the upgrade.

The (FAA) has over 14,000 air traffic controllers, but the increase in flight delays and safety incidents is proof of a shortage. Mike Whittaker, the FAA’s Administrator, made a formal statement that noted the FAA’s success in hiring at least 1,800 air traffic controllers, exceeding their goal for 2024. He also noted that the FAA has made improvements to the hiring pipeline to further expedite this process.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the National Aviation System—which includes ATC systems—was responsible for 6.12% of all flights being delayed between January and August of this year. In the northeastern United States, flights to and from New York City have experienced a high volume of delays that could be attributed to the air traffic controller shortage.

FSC’s aviation program is one of the largest in the Northeastern US, and they have a large part in putting skilled pilots and air traffic controllers into the workforce. Students like Nasery have more immersive opportunities to enter the world of aviation as a result of this lab. This new ATC lab will be an important resource to the rest of the country, as it will aid in the effort to decrease flight delays, prevent safety incidents, and make flying easier.