ATC-labAdvanced: An air traffic control simulator with realism and control

ATC-lab^Advanced is a new, publicly available air traffic control (ATC) simulation package that provides both realism and experimental control. ATC-lab^Advanced simulations are realistic to the extent that the display features (including aircraft performance) and the manner in which participants interact with the system are similar to those used in an operational environment. Experimental control allows researchers to standardize air traffic scenarios, control levels of realism, and isolate specific ATC tasks. Importantly, ATC-lab^Advanced also provides the programming control required to cost effectively adapt simulations to serve different research purposes without the need for technical support. In addition, ATC-lab^Advanced includes a package for training participants and mathematical spreadsheets for designing air traffic events. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that ATC-lab^Advanced is a flexible tool for applied and basic research.