How to Choose ATC Simulator Software: 8 Questions to Ask a Supplier

Choosing an air traffic control simulator is easier when you ask the right questions first. These are the eight that matter, based on a request that a training department sent to suppliers through our site. Use them in your own calls.

1. How many positions do you need, and for which roles?

Many suppliers price by controller working position. Count the seats for controllers, the supervisors, the pseudo pilots and the instructor. Say whether you train tower, radar or both. Some suppliers will also work from a budget if you share it. Be ready to sign a non disclosure agreement, because some will not share prices without one.

2. Is it software only, or software and hardware?

If you already have computers, ask exactly what the software needs. Ask about the graphics card, the memory and the number of screen outputs for each position. A tower view with many channels needs more power than a single radar screen.

3. How do you show the tower view?

Tell the supplier whether your room uses projectors or large screens, and how many channels. Some suppliers prefer projectors for a wrap around view and advise against long LED displays. Ask them to confirm that their software can drive your set up.

4. Can it run offline?

Some training rooms must work without an internet connection. Ask if the system runs fully on your own servers, with no cloud link, and what happens during updates.

5. Can you build your own airports and airspace?

Ask if your instructors can model an airport, change the airspace, and write their own flight plans and traffic. A system that only has fixed scenarios is cheaper, but it limits what you can teach.

6. How long until it works?

Ask for the time from signing the contract to the first exercise. Suppliers often quote a standard set up and say that a special airport or airspace takes longer. Get both times in writing.

7. Who installs it, and who supports it in your country?

Ask if installation and training can be done remotely or on site, and what yearly support costs. If you are outside the supplier's home country, ask about export rules and whether the software is subject to them.

8. Can you see it working?

Ask for a live demo, online or at the supplier's office. Better still, ask the supplier to run an exercise on your own airport. Ask who else uses the system and whether you can talk to them.

How to compare quotes

Ask each supplier to quote the same scope: the same number of positions, the same roles and the same hardware. Put the answers in one table with price, yearly support, lead time and what is not included. A cheap quote that leaves out the instructor station or the support is not cheap.

On the Flying Engineer

You can ask several suppliers for quotes at once with the request form on our air traffic control systems page. If you are new to the topic, start with what an ATC simulator is.