Mosaic ATM Implements COMETTS for FAA Training

Mosaic ATM has successfully implemented its Comprehensive Environment for Traffic Management Training by Simulation (COMETTS) system for the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). COMETTS has been delivered to ATCSCC, and the NAS training team has begun using COMETTS to train new traffic management specialists. COMETTS is sponsored and funded by the NAS Human Factors Safety Research Lab (AAM-520) at the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

COMETTS offers students at the ATCSCC the opportunity to interact with the Traffic Situation Display (TSD) and Flight Schedule Monitor (FSM), both critical traffic management systems. Trainees are immersed in scenarios that range from routine terminal operations to severe weather conditions, gaining essential skills in Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) such as ground delay programs, ground stops, and airspace flow programs.

Through COMETTS, students work with historical and simulated data, covering air traffic information from flight schedules and departure times to weather data sourced from the Corridor Integrated Weather System (CIWS), Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR), Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), and Traffic Flow Management Convective Forecasts (TCF). Scenario Developers can further enhance this training by blending historical traffic and weather data or integrating simulated elements to customize each session to current and future FAA standards.

"Our team has developed COMETTS to elevate the FAA's traffic management training capabilities," said Chris Brinton, CEO at Mosaic ATM. "COMETTS offers students the power to analyze, decide, and execute within simulated yet realistic air traffic management scenarios that prepare them to handle real-life challenges with expertise."

Each COMETTS training session includes an instructor-led scenario where the student's task is to solve a traffic management problem using both TSD and FSM. The simulations also feature third-party interactions from simulated flight operators, air route traffic control center (ARTCC) personnel, and weather facilities, providing a full-spectrum experience that reinforces collaborative and communication skills critical to the TMS role.

Mosaic ATM has made COMETTS a versatile tool, offering accessibility through a secure online platform. Designed with user-friendly interfaces and customizable scenarios, COMETTS can adapt to the needs of external educational and operational programs.

Looking forward, Mosaic ATM is excited about the potential expansion of COMETTS to new training environments. From university aviation programs to airline operational training, COMETTS provides the resources to simulate complex air traffic scenarios without requiring installation or special equipment.