![UFA Inc. supplies Angelo State University in Texas with air traffic control simulation to enhance training for ATC applicants. [Credit: UFA Inc.]](https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Angelo-State-ATC-Lab-1.jpg?width=8098&height=5399)
Students enrolled in the air traffic operations program at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, have a new tool to prepare them for careers. This month ASU is opening a new simulator lab designed to prepare students for certification with the FAA.
The simulation technology comes from UFA Inc., which has been providing training devices for both civilian and military applications for more than 40 years. The technology is used for training for gate-to-gate operations for air traffic control (ATC) and airside driver training. UFA has offices all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Singapore, with more than 100 customers in 21 countries.
Angelo State University offers a bachelor’s degree in commercial aviation with tracks in air traffic operations, flight operations, and aviation administration.
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According to school officials, the ASU lab features an “air traffic control tower simulator with a 240-degree field of view of a hyper-realistic airport digital twin, along with voice recognition and response to help students to practice air traffic control communication.”
The new lab also includes a digital tabletop, where individual students or groups can see and manipulate air traffic scenarios. It also serves as a digital blackboard, enabling instructors to replay exercises for in-depth analysis.
“We couldn’t be happier to see how the new software is being used,” said David Wolff, CEO of UFA, Inc. “Angelo State is stepping forward as one of the leading air traffic control programs in the country. That means more qualified controllers and safer air travel for everyone.”
Mark Arzate, lead instructor of ASU’s air traffic operations (ATO) program, said the technology from UFA impacts students from the first day of class.
“UFA’s ATSpeak, ATLive, and ATTower products are instrumental for students as they move through the ATO program,” Arzate said. “ATSpeak is our introduction to the air traffic control course starting product. This uses iPads with coursework associated with aircraft recognition and atc phraseology. After just a few weeks of ATSpeak, students move to the ATLive tabletop sim that gives the connection to the airfield and ATC operations. ATLive depicts the entire airfield environment. ATTower puts everything together creating the most realistic ATC simulated environment.
“The ATO program officially started in August of 2025 after a 10-month process of creating all of the courses culminating in gaining standard CTI approval from the FAA in July 2025. We are the first university in Texas and currently the only university in Texas with this FAA endorsement opportunity for our ATO students.”
Having the FAA designation as an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) institution allows graduates of the ASU program to bypass five weeks of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. That will enable them to get into the field quicker to help alleviate the shortage of ATCs in the U.S.
Angelo State’s ATO program is designed to support 40 to 50 students per year, with the first group scheduled to graduate in December 2028.
