Perceptions of Factors Influencing Effectiveness of ATC Field Training

Long, Charla L. · 2022 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Office of Aerospace Medicine

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Summary

This study investigates the factors influencing the effectiveness of Air Traffic Controller (ATC) field training, aiming to understand why trainees who successfully complete Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy training often struggle to certify at their first field facility. The research was motivated by the substantial financial investment in ATC training—approximately $118,000 per trainee annually—and the fact that roughly 14% of trainees fail to certify at their initial assignment, resulting in termination, resignation, or transfer. The primary goals were to identify reasons for certification struggles, ascertain internal challenges faced by trainees, and determine external factors impacting success to guide policy and procedure improvements. The methodology involved disseminating five role-specific surveys to 353 training team members across six field facilities, including two Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) and four Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities (TRACONs). The participants included Developmentals (new hires), Certified Professional Controllers–In Training (CPC-ITs), On-the-Job Training Instructors (OJTIs), and operations leadership. The surveys utilized scaled measures and open-ended comments to assess background, preparation, training processes, workload, feedback mechanisms, and interpersonal dynamics. Due to the limited sample size, the study was not intended to produce sweeping National Airspace System-wide recommendations but rather to identify themes for local implementation. Five primary themes emerged from the data: Academy Training, the Field Training Program and OJTI Experience, Workload, Stress Management, and Interpersonal Dynamics. Respondents highlighted that Academy training content and instruction require updates to maintain currency. They emphasized the need for immediate implementation of field training upon placement and stressed the importance of selecting, placing, and supporting OJTIs. Significant findings indicated that OJTI performance and energy levels directly impact trainee experience, while workload and stress were major contributors to training difficulties. Interpersonal dynamics, including feedback quality and peer relationships, were also identified as critical factors. Respondents called for stress management training and the reinforcement of positive facility relationships. The study concludes with several recommendations to improve training effectiveness. These include establishing a scheduled refresh cycle for training content, formally selecting and training instructors and OJTIs, and strictly implementing and adhering to training standards. The authors also recommend recognizing the impact of OJTI hours on trainee experience and improving workplace culture through targeted training and facility support. The report suggests that future research should validate these findings with supervisors and managers, compare facilities with high versus low certification rates, and evaluate the success of facilities that implement these recommendations.

Key finding

Five key themes—Academy Training, Field Training Program and OJTI Experience, Workload, Stress Management, and Interpersonal Dynamics—were identified as critical factors influencing ATC field training effectiveness.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 353

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• simulator training transfer

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation
• Empirical Findings: self report data