S. Yamamoto (Ed.): HIMI 2014, Part I, LNCS 8521, pp. 34–43, 2014. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014 A Post-simulation Assessment Tool for Training of Air Traffic Controllers Aslak Wegner Eide, Stian Støer Ødegård, and Amela Karahasanović SINTEF, Oslo, Norway {aslak.eide,amela.karahasanovic}@sintef.no, stiancid@outlook.com Abstract. This paper proposes a post-simulation assessment tool that aims to improve the training of air traffic controllers (ATCOs) by visualizing their per- formance. The tool helps the controllers to identify bottlenecks in flight traffic and find alternative solutions that might improve traffic throughput. The useful- ness of the tool was evaluated in a study involving benchmark tests and inter- views with five experienced ATCOs. The results from the study indicate that the tool can help ATCO students to (1) identify irregularities in their work, (2) find possible underlying causes of these irregularities, and (3) find alternative solutions preventing these irregularities. Visual feedback consisting of work- flow graphs and radar replays might generate valuable insights that enable self and peer assessment during ATCO training. Our results might be interesting both for the practitioners working with ATCO training and for researcher inves- tigating the effects of visualization in education. Keywords: visualization, air traffic control, training, real-time simulation. 1 Introduction The continuously growing demand in air transport has heightened the need to improve productivity in air traffic control. Coping with this challenge requires not only new automation tools and enhanced procedures, but also a rethinking of air traffic control- lers (ATCOs) training [1-2]. In order to achieve the required learning effects, existing training programs need to integrate hands-on training with knowledge acquisition and skill development [3]. Training should not only teach users how new tools should be used, but also help overcome resistance to change. In today's practice, real-time simulation (RTS) of work scenarios is regularly used as a cost-effective way of training new and experienced ATCOs. One of the great advantages of RTS, compared with other learning aids, is the ability to freeze and replay scenarios directly, enabling instructors to provide timely feedback on a given traffic situation and on the quality of the decisions made by the trainee [4]. However, the delivery of such feedback requires the full attention of an instructor, and may also cause disruptions in the internal planning process of the trainees, making it difficult for them to progress and positively reinforce their learned skills [5]. Furthermore, shortage of time, inadequacy of the feedback, fear of failure, and negative environ- ments might also cause problems during the ATCOs training [5].