Lektor

Lektor is Finland’s only private air traffic controller training organization. In collaboration with Monad, they have developed a fully online basic training course for air traffic controllers that includes both the required theoretical content and essential simulation tasks, all on their own learning platform. This online air traffic controller training is a unique implementation worldwide.

Challenge: Revolutionizing Air Traffic Controller Training

Lektor was founded in 2019 as an air traffic controller training and consulting organization with a vision to take basic air traffic controller training online, a first in the world. This vision became a reality faster than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Traditional air traffic controller training has been heavily tied to specific locations and schedules. After studying extensive theoretical content in a classroom, even the simplest air traffic control skills had to be practiced using the institution’s heavy simulators.

The initial training exercises, even for basic skills, were limited to the simulators located in the training provider’s facilities. Furthermore, these exercises could only be performed when the necessary personnel were present to operate the simulator. This made practical training in air traffic control inflexible and expensive.

From the beginning, Lektor’s idea was to free theory learning and simulation exercises from time and place constraints and enhance the learning experience by adding gamification and flexibility.

Solution: Tailored Learning Environment for Air Traffic Controllers

Lektor’s browser-based online learning platform offers the opportunity to combine theoretical content and practical exercises into course-based learning packages. The functionalities resemble traditional e-learning environments, but the platform is designed specifically to meet the needs of air traffic controller training. What makes it unique is the integration of an AI-powered air traffic control simulator that allows for exercises related to basic training to be carried out without time or place constraints.

The radar simulator utilizes AI language models to generate relevant and authentic-sounding radio traffic for simulated situations. Users control aircraft in the simulation through voice commands, as well as using a mouse and keyboard inputs. During the development of the simulation system, AI was trained to understand the phraseology and various dialects used in air traffic control through extensive user testing.

Result: Speech-Recognizing and Producing Air Traffic Control Simulation and Learning Platform

The result is a unique learning platform that covers both traditional e-learning content and air traffic control simulation exercises. The simulation heavily relies on AI language models, not only for creating radio traffic but also for processing user commands and, in the future, for supporting learners and analyzing their performance.

Samuli Suokas, founder of Lektor, praises Monad’s modern and future-oriented vision, which has enabled them to do something unprecedented in their field. He continues by saying that the implementation has been effective, and the user interface is student-centered, easy to use, and visually appealing.

Lektor’s basic air traffic controller training package with integrated simulations introduces a completely new way of studying to become an air traffic controller. The current offering is just the first part of the study program for prospective air traffic controllers.

Development work continues, and their goal for the future is to provide more advanced specialization courses online, following the completion of the basic course, Suokas adds.

Importance: Training for Safer Skies

Lektor’s innovative e-learning materials and methods are disrupting traditional models in air traffic controller training. Training can be provided more flexibly, without being tied to specific locations or schedules. Simultaneously, training becomes more engaging, motivating, and students gain exposure to simulations and essential skills in the field at an early stage. This approach can lead to better learning outcomes and more competent air traffic controllers.

The new implementation also opens up new possibilities. Those interested in entering the field can access materials, practice simulations, and even complete the entire basic course independently before taking entrance exams. This can improve the entrance exam process and the motivation of those aspiring to enter the field when they can explore it more easily.

Samuli Suokas believes that the changing landscape of transportation and the electrification of air travel will also open opportunities for smaller regional airports. The demand for skilled air traffic controllers and their training will increase globally.

“Our mission is to improve aviation safety, and education is definitely the key to this goal,” concludes Suokas.