OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSInnovative tools that align with modern learners' preferences are essential for training in safety-critical professions like Air Traffic Control/Management. This study evaluated a Virtual Reality Visual Flight Rules 3D Map Visualization Tool designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) modernization goals. The tool immerses trainee in contextually accurate environments, enhancing engagement and self-paced learning. Most subject-matter experts favored 3D learning over traditional approaches, while commenting on potential integration into collegiate and FAA programs to support preparedness. Future research should explore scalability, long-term performance impact, and AI enhancements for personalized training and accessibility. This innovation bridges generational gaps in learning preferences and addresses the timely demand for well-trained certified professional controllers, highlighting the value of accessible self-paced customized training. A contextually accurate, cost-effective training system could improve knowledge acquisition and enable trainees to study beyond traditional classrooms, supporting rapid decision-making and self-efficacy - marking a step forward in occupational training.
Keywords: Accessible training; air traffic control/management (ATC/ATM); human-technology interaction (HTi); iterative design; subject matter experts (SMEs); virtual reality (VR).
Background: Rigorous training is essential in air traffic control/management due to its dynamic, mentally-demanding, and safety-critical nature. Despite the increasing need for certified professional controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects a loss of 8,595 controllers between 2021 and 2030. Low trainee self-efficacy, particularly in mastering aeronautical maps, could be a contributing factor.Purpose: We assessed the usability and potential of a Virtual Reality Visual Flight Rules (VFR) 3D Map Visualization Tool for contextually accurate, accessible air traffic control/management training.Method: An iterative design methodology was used to develop and evaluate the VFR 3D Map Visualization Tool with expert aviation populations. Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale. A mixed-method approach, including quantitative Likert-scale surveys, qualitative semi-structured interviews, and open-ended questionnaires, captured feedback from subject matter experts (SMEs).Results: The tool received positive feedback from SMEs, including certified professional controllers and aviation professionals. It achieved a mean score of 85, indicating “Good” usability, above the common industry standard. SMEs highlighted the tool’s utility as an effective, accessible training tool and its potential for recommendation in collegiate training programs and FAA academies.Conclusion: Our results accentuate the importance of modernizing training programs to align with future generations’ learning preferences. The iterative design process incorporated critical SME feedback, enhancing the tool’s development. SMEs preferred 3D learning over the traditional method, suggesting that as the tool develops it could improve training experiences and support rapid decision-making and increased self-efficacy. Future research would benefit from exploring performance metric comparisons between training modalities, long-term impacts, scalability, and AI integration for personalized learning in dynamic environments.