U.S. Air Force Partners with Tech Leader UFA to Solve Air Traffic Control Shortage

WOBURN, Mass. -- UFA, Inc., a global leader in aviation safety and training solutions, today announced a partnership with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to develop and deploy data analytics tools for Air Traffic Control (ATC) training. The Air Force’s investment in this technology aims to address the critical readiness challenge posed by a shortfall of certified controllers in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). 

Funded through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, the project introduces integrated data analytics tools that allow ATC trainees to practice independently with automated scoring. The tools also allow instructors to focus training with detailed, targeted, objective performance data.  

The DAF has historically been undermanned in ATCs and has faced a high attrition rate. The advanced technology provided by UFA, Inc. is positioned to counter this issue directly, producing DAF mission-ready controllers more efficiently and effectively by replacing subjectivity with objective data. The superior training will help reduce the shortage and enhance global operations support. 

“The critical shortage of air traffic controllers is a direct challenge to our national security,” said David Wolff, CEO of UFA. “The problem is often compounded by traditional training methods that have not evolved in decades and rely heavily on subjective, over-the-shoulder observation. ATReview solves this challenge by transforming training from a subjective art into a data-driven science. By providing every trainee and instructor with objective, actionable performance data, we can accelerate the development of highly skilled controllers. We are honored to partner with AFWERX and AFSOC to field this critical capability.” 

ATReview works by capturing trace data from simulator exercises and dynamically analyzing those data points against objective standards to provide automatic feedback. This real-time feedback allows trainees to practice anytime and anywhere, supporting their ability to achieve proficiency more quickly. It also provides instructors with objective, granular evidence of a trainee's knowledge, skills, and behavior trends, which allows instructors to target training to the individual student. 

“Data analytics tools are crucial – and when those tools are paired with voice recognition technology that really works, trainees can truly practice anytime and anywhere. That will be a game changer,” noted Wolff. 

Wolff added that ATReview is based on UFA’s industry-leading voice recognition, which accurately transcribes and analyzes all trainee communications; it can score phraseology, clarity, and concision. The platform can also assess key competencies like Situational Awareness, Conflict Resolution, and Traffic Management by automatically flagging critical events like separation violations or runway incursions for later review and debrief. A time-synchronized playback feature allows trainees and instructors to review the entire session including transcribed voice communications, jumping directly to critical events to understand the context of each action.  

The investment in innovation from the US Air Force (USAF) is part of a long-term effort to disrupt the status quo. The USAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have since partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the proposal-to-award timelines, expanding opportunities to small businesses, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead that stalls modernization.   

This data-driven approach to training represents a critical modernization effort for the DAF and offers a scalable, objective model to help remediate the wider civil and military controller shortage across the United States. 

About UFA Inc. UFA, Inc. is a global leader in aviation safety and training technologies, including simulation and voice recognition technologies for air traffic control (ATC) and airside driver training. UFA, which has offices in the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Singapore, partners with top Air Navigation Service Providers, military organizations, universities, and airports around the world to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals to manage complex airport environments safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.ufainc.com. 

About AFRL The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.   

About AFWERX  

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX employs military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $1.4 billion annual budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.    

Company Press Contact: 

Jesse Gale 

Vice President, Communications 

UFA, Inc. 

jgale@ufainc.com