L-3 Link Simulation and Training Exhibits Air Traffic Control Schoolhouse Capabilities

The Link Simulation and Training Air Traffic Control Academy, which is located in Denison, Texas on the grounds of the North Texas Regional Airport, currently has 40 students attending who are preparing to qualify for Federal Aviation Administration Control Tower Operator certification. The academy, in operation since January 2009, offers a 10-month course of study that includes classroom instruction, simulator exercises and on-the-job air traffic control tower training. All instruction, which is delivered by certified air traffic controllers, meets or exceeds FAR Part 65 training requirements. At our academy we provide students a fully integrated curriculum that includes 510 hours of on-the-job tower training, said David Williams, L-3 Links vice president of Training Services. When our first class graduates in late November employers will be able to select from a pool of highly qualified individuals who have proven they have the skills, knowledge and ability to be a control tower operator. L-3 Link Simulation and Training, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. The companys current services include conducting front-end analysis; program design; simulator design and production; field support; aircraft logistics support; training and courseware support; and air traffic control training. It has major operations in Arlington, Texas, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Broken Arrow, Okla.; and Phoenix, Ariz.