As WISA’s Aeronautical Research Coordinator, I joined the students and faculty of the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) during their visit. Having already visited the control tower in the past, visiting it again with this diverse group of researchers broadened my perspective of aviation and air traffic control.
Throughout the tour, the students and faculty of the CAP program asked various insightful questions. They explored topics such as medical standards, cognitive load, advances in technology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). I found this fascinating as this Q&A portion of the tour highlighted the progress already made by the industry, but also the challenges that need to be addressed. As a Research Coordinator, you could see that this sparked new opportunities for research.
It is well known that the aviation industry is experiencing a shortage of talented aviation professionals. The shortage does not only include pilots, but a diverse breadth of aviation professions from ground crews to air traffic controllers, all of which are needed for the safe and efficient operation of our air transport sector. The controllers encouraged anyone interested in an exciting career in air traffic control to consider applying. This demonstrates the importance of the sustainability of a talent pool of aviation professionals and the need to attract future talent.
I feel very privileged to join the CAP students and faculty on their tour of the Waterloo Control Tower. It was truly a mind-opening experience paired with amazing views of the Region of Waterloo International Airport (CYKF). I would also like to express my gratitude to the air traffic controllers from NAV Canada for coordinating and facilitating the tour of the control tower.
- Rafael
In April 2024, I was among one of the lucky Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) students who got to tour the Waterloo Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. As a PhD student delving into the intricate relationship between vision and aeronautics, seeing the ATC Tower was nothing short of enlightening as it offered a unique perspective that merged my academic pursuits with real-world applications.
At the heart of the tower, I had the opportunity to observe these air traffic experts in action. Their ability to manage multiple aircrafts, each with its own flight path and destination, was a testament to the power of human vision and cognitive processing. While I watched them navigate through a ton of data on their screens, I could not help but marvel at the efficiency and precision with which they operated.
From a research perspective, this experience was invaluable. It allowed me to see just how complex the relationship between vision, attention, and decision-making is in a high-stakes environment. The controllers' reliance on visual cues to track and monitor aircraft highlighted the critical role of vision in aviation safety and efficiency. This experience has inspired me to explore new avenues in my research, incorporating the complexities of air traffic management into my studies of vision and aeronautics. I am grateful for the opportunities the CAP program has offered me. It was truly an eye-opening experience that enriched my understanding of vision and aeronautics in ways I could not have ever imagined.
- Allison