The Tower Simulation System (TSS) is a state-of-the-art training system used to train air traffic controllers on airport tower operations. The simulators replicate airport layouts allowing controllers to train for complex airport configurations, develop scenarios that address safety trends, practice runway crossing coordination and rehearse phraseology. The system includes enhanced graphics matching real-world tower views, which helps familiarize controllers with an airport’s layout, runways, taxiways, and weather patterns.

For new controllers, the simulator system will help them understand an airport’s air traffic operations while getting on-the-job training - which  will speed up the time it takes to fully certify at a facility by almost 30%. 

This is one of the many actions the FAA is taking to increase the number of controllers and improve training following the release of the National Airspace System Safety Review Team Report. 

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 mandates the expansion of tower simulation training across the NAS, requiring all air traffic control towers to have access to a TSS by 2028. The agency is on track to meet this requirement, starting with its goal to install the new modernized system in 95 facilities across the country by the end of 2025.