Gail M. Zlotky

gzlotky@mtsu.edu

Gail M. Zlotky

Aerospace

Discipline specific equipment

BAS S112B

Replacement of Existing Technology

The department recently received an email stating that “[our] workstations are no longer manufactured nor are they maintainable for much longer. [The supplier] highly recommends replacing the workstations no later than late 2003 or early 2004.” Our workstations are 8 years old and obsolete.

MTSU Aerospace Department is one of only 13 universities selected to train individuals to become Air Traffic Controllers for the FAA Academy. MTSU currently has the best reputation within the FAA academy for sending students that are prepared and knowledgeable. This is accomplished through the use of 8 years old Silicon Graphics (133MHz 32MB) simulators maintained through service contracts obtained with TAF funds. However, I recently received an email stating that “[our] workstations are no longer manufactured nor are they maintainable for much longer. [The supplier] highly recommends replacing the workstations no later than late 2003 or early 2004.” The software package allows faculty to create simulated radar screens, which can replicate up to 120 aircraft and allow the use of pseudo-pilots that can further challenge the students’ ability to deal with real-world circumstances. The Voice Recognition component trains students to use correct phraseology. The integrated system consists of software and a network of workstations for students to practice communicating, controlling, operating and managing air traffic. There are 56 declared Dispatch students and an additional 70 Air Traffic Control students based on current enrollment trends.