There is a good chance if you’ve considered becoming an air traffic controller that you have heard about air traffic control simulator games; or perhaps not, and the reason I decided I should include a post about ATC-SIM.

The purpose of an air traffic control game is to provide the user with a realistic experience that mirrors that of real life air traffic controlling. Typically users, or members will connect to the game network and direct air traffic and become involved in what many describe as a very real-world approximation of air traffic controlling procedures.

The main goal of simulation games is to mimic real life as closely as possible by making the user need to use actual procedural standards and communication phraseology. Training like this is great for beginners, and students looking to learn and gain simulated real life experience. The training has also proved to be helpful for experienced individuals who are looking to brush up and further polish their skill set.

The largest simulation website which operates world wide and offers internet based flight & ATC simulation training is the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network (VATSIM). This company is a non-profit who allows users to connect to their network and either direct air traffic as an ATC, or you can fly as a pilot. VATSIM attained notability when the Federal Aviation Administration used their technology in a funded research program. The company was also featured in the Wall Street Journal following the inclusion of their technology by the FAA. The company is considered largest flight & air traffic controller simulation network around the world. The network boasts over 300k of registered users.

If you’ve looked into how to become an air traffic controller, I would highly recommend you visit one of the various air traffic control simulation websites on the internet. Working as an air traffic controller in one of these simulated environments is a great way to get an idea if you would like this kind of work in the real world. Many are lured into the possibility of becoming an air traffic controller because of the air traffic controller salary; however most will find that they will fail when it comes to pursuing this career if they don’t truly love the work. With this being said spend some time playing around with air traffic control simulator games to find out if this in fact the career for you.