New Software Allows ATC to Focus on Communication Instead of Transcription

UFA Inc.’s ATTranscribe will allow for a high-tech streamlining of a currently archaic process.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, May 12, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Software has been developed that allows air traffic controllers to transcribe tapes more efficiently and effectively than sitting in a room with a legal pad. [Courtesy: UFA Inc.]

Key Takeaways:

ATTranscribe, new software from UFA Inc., automates and streamlines the process of reviewing air traffic control (ATC) communications, which was previously a time-consuming and labor-intensive manual transcription task.
Utilizing purpose-built machine learning tailored for aviation phraseology, ATTranscribe significantly reduces transcription work hours by over 60% with greater than 90% accuracy, while effectively handling cockpit noise and VHF distortion.
The software transforms incident investigation by providing structured, analyzable data that allows for faster identification of safety trends, systemic issues, and valuable insights for training, regulatory compliance, and overall safety improvements across the industry.

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When there is an incident or accident—for example, a pilot deviation—and air traffic control (ATC) is involved, communications between the aircraft and the controllers will be reviewed.

The colloquial phrase for this is “pulling the tapes.” These tapes contain conversations between pilots and ATC and are fast-paced, verbally dense, and often occluded by cockpit noise or VHF distortion. If there has been an event, these tapes have to be reviewed multiple times as they are often an integral part of the investigation.