Administrator Jane Garvey, state and local legislators, and a host of top officials from government, industry and academia. FutureFlight Central will permit integration of tomorrow's technologies in a risk-free simulation of any airport, airfield, and tower cab environment. The facility provides an opportunity for airlines to mitigate passenger delays by fine tuning airport hub operations, gate management and ramp movement procedures. It also allows airport managers an opportunity to study the effects of various improvements at their airport. Finally, it enables air traffic controllers to provide input and become familiar with new airport operations and technologies before construction is completed.
Real people interact in the live-action simulation just as in a real airport.
Up to 12 air traffic controllers in the tower cab are in direct communication through a simulated radio and phone system with pilots and ramp controllers at stations on the first floor. The visual scene, along with specific airport traffic patterns, fleet mix and procedures, makes this a very credible operational testbed. It is anticipated that airports, airlines and researchers will want to look primarily at the feasibility, safety, reliability and cost benefits of technologies prior to incorporating them into airports. In addition, testing will provide information that may assist in developing proposed changes to airport ground procedures and the construction of new airport facilities. The facility's second floor is designed to replicate a typical air traffic control tower.