Air Traffic Controller

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Guide aircraft through their assigned gates. Plan headings, manage altitude and keep the sector safely separated.

◷  3-minute rounds
Air Traffic Controller game in progress

How to play

  1. Select an aircraft

    Choose an aircraft on the radar to view its controls and assigned gate.

  2. Set its course

    Adjust heading and altitude to line up with the assigned gate.

  3. Guide it through

    Reach the correct gate at its required altitude before time runs out.

Scoring

Earn up to 1,000 base points per gate. More commands reduce the base award. The distance from the aircraft to its gate when you transmit a command adds a continuous bonus: 1× beside the gate, 1.5× at half an airspace width and up to 2× at a full width or more. The resulting gate award is multiplied by the number of aircraft currently on screen: three aircraft means 3× points. Separation violations and boundary events can cost points.

Tips

  • Plan ahead before giving commands.
  • Check the assigned gate and altitude.
  • Watch the whole sector, not just the selected aircraft.

Unlocking levels

Start with Noob. Unlock each next level by reaching the target in a single round at the previous level.

  • Beginner: score 1,500 in Noob.
  • Intermediate: score 2,000 in Beginner.
  • Advanced: score 2,500 in Intermediate.
  • Berserk: score 3,000 in Advanced.

Background knowledge

The following articles will give you foundational knowledge relevant to this activity:

Skills Practiced

  • Bearings and direction
  • Multitasking
  • Spatial awareness
  • Heading and altitude control
  • Route planning
  • Prioritising tasks
  • Tracking moving objects
  • Monitoring aircraft separation
  • Anticipating aircraft movement
  • Decision-making under time pressure

Aviation Aptitudes

  • Strategic Task Management40% weighting
  • Spatial Reasoning40% weighting
  • Central Information Processing20% weighting