New Simulators Preparing PCPS Students for High-Demand Air Traffic Careers

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) recently unveiled state-of-the-art simulators, which will be used to train students seeking air traffic controller (ATC) careers.

Prepared for and published by Polk County Public Schools.

The simulators were installed at the Bartow Executive Airport. They are part of a new ATC program available through Traviss Technical College, designed to address a critical staffing shortage of air traffic controllers. As well as improving safety across the national airspace.

Polk County is one of the few school systems in the nation that provides this level of ATC training. UFA developed and installed the new simulators. UFA is a global provider of simulation and speech recognition technologies.

The technology will allow Polk County students to engage in comprehensive ATC training, with competency-based training tools that ensure students master skills needed to move to the next phase of their training. The system provides safe, cost-effective instruction for students simulating both normal and emergency conditions.

“Our new program is designed to give students an opportunity to enter a career of critical importance and develop the knowledge necessary to become successful air traffic controllers,” said David H. Wiggs, director of Traviss Technical College.

“PCPS is one of the few school systems in the country to have similar training equipment used at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” Wiggs said. “Using this simulator technology, students will better develop their skills and be prepared to help keep air travel safe when they become air traffic controllers.”

Recruiting Next Generations For Air Traffic Control

The addition of simulator training comes at a crucial time for ATC education. Local, national and international organizations are launching incentives to attract a new generation to the profession.

Within the past weeks, the FAA has announced financial incentives to increase recruitment and retention of air traffic controllers. Currently, this is amid a shortage of approximately 3,000 safety-critical workers. Incentives include $5,000 payments to new hires who complete initial qualification training. Further, $10,000 to those who take positions in the 13 most difficult-to-staff facilities in the country.

David Wolff, CEO of UFA, said, “We are proud to partner with Polk County in providing state-of-the-art training to the next generation of aviation professionals. Polk County will join an elite group of programs that can prepare students to join the field of aviation at a truly critical time.”

Polk County’s program enhancements are on track to produce new graduates with the skills and knowledge to help address ATC staffing challenges.

About UFA, Inc.

UFA, Inc. is a global provider of simulation and voice recognition technologies for air traffic control (ATC) and airside driver training. UFA has offices in the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Singapore. They also partner with top Air Navigation Service Providers, military organizations, universities, and airports around the world. The primary goal being to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals to manage complex airport environments safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.ufainc.com.

About Polk County Public Schools (PCPS)

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) is one of the largest school districts in Florida. They have over 117,000 students and more than 120 schools. The district has nearly 30 certified or model career academies. PCPS offers a wide range of educational programs. This includes advanced career and technical training through institutions like Traviss Technical College and Ridge Technical College.

The district collaborates with community partners to provide students with hands-on experiences and pathways to high-demand careers such as aviation, healthcare, and technology. Thanks to support from Bartow Executive Airport and other industry leaders, PCPS is helping to shape a skilled workforce for Polk County and beyond. For more information, visit polkschoolsfl.com.