“ATC, at its core, is about communication,” said Maggie MacGregor, Chief Learning Officer of UFA. “Ultimately, controllers must learn effective and efficient communication to build the layers of safety we need.”
To address the worldwide controller shortage (a projected deficit of 40,000 controllers by 2030, according to ICAO), training programs must introduce scalable technology to support communication and phraseology instruction.
The latest iteration of ATVoice incorporates advanced speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities to provide a more immersive training environment for air traffic controller trainees — without adding staff.
“Highly accurate voice recognition and response software allows trainees to practice phraseology without increasing staff,” said David Wolff, CEO of UFA. “At this moment, UFA’s voice recognition and response has greater than 98% accuracy – and that’s tested in the field, at real-world training facilities.”
Key enhancements in ATVoice include:
- AI-Based TTS Voices: Natural sounding, AI-based voice models to better simulate real-world communication dynamics.
- Dynamic TTS Speech Rate: Adjusts to the controller’s words per minute, enabling more urgent pilot responses during high-traffic situations.
- Forced Readback Errors: Introduces deliberate errors in headings, altitudes, and runways, including omissions in multi-clearance responses, to test controllers’ error detection skills.
- Response Variants: Allows identical instructions to trigger different realistic responses, enhancing trainees’ ability to handle variability.
- Incorrect Callsign Handling: Repeated controller error of using the incorrect callsigns drives the automated pilots to question the controller’s clearance intent.
“The new features,” Wolff added, “create a highly realistic simulation experience, which ultimately leads to greater proficiency for controllers and greater safety for everyone.”
ATVoice is fully integrated with UFA’s suite of products, including ATCoach, ATTower, ATLIVE, ATWorld, and ATSpeak. Its standalone edition also integrates with third-party systems, offering flexibility across various training platforms. The system supports deployment in mobile and cloud-based environments, depending on training needs.
ATVoice ensures that training organizations can effectively support air traffic control trainees through all stages of their education, while also providing essential assistance to certified controllers during mandatory contingency, refresher, and fallback trainings.
