The FAA has selected the University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to lead the new Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance (COE TTHP). This center will conduct research and development on technical training for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, pilots and technicians.

A partnership of principal investigators from the universities will perform the research projects, engaging senior faculty and students in the research activities. The FAA expects the center will be fully operational and engaged in research within the next few months.

Through the center, the FAA will take advantage of advancements in teaching, such as part-task training, modeling, immersive human-in-the-loop simulation and adaptive learning technologies that are standard in other technical workforces. The center will examine human factors issues, such as changes in learner expectations and academic best practices for training.