b'AIRFIELDOMA 63Based on these factors and more, Omahaenvironment for the first time, never having driven on an airport, Airport Authority awarded the contract to UFAhe relates. Now, after training sessions with written materials and Inc., which also provides Air Traffic Controlvideos, they have time to practice and understand in the simulator simulators. The model selected for OMA isbefore they go onto the airfield for the first time.the ATVehicle Airside Driving Simulator, aWith flight volume increasing across the nation, a simulated real-time, high-fidelity simulator that evaluatesenvironment provides needed experience and training without driving performance and identifies specificimpacting actual airfield operations, notes Harrison. Simulators problem areas for improvement. JacobJACOB HARRISON also eliminate carbon emissions and decrease wear and tear on Harrison, senior director of Global Sales andequipment from real-world training exercises.Marketing at UFA Inc., notes that ATVehicle features adaptive scenarios, dynamic weather and lighting, and realistic vehicleThe ATVehicle simulator can be customized to each airports physics to allow users risk-free exposure to high-risk, uncommonneeds and will adapt to future technology, he adds. Moreover, and difficult scenarios.a performance file for every airfield vehicle details the braking, horsepower, torque and turning ratios so they can be adjusted After the specific model was selected, airport personnelbased on changing operational needs. In addition to providing quickly began working with UFA to build a digital replica of OMAspractice for everyday operations in inclement weather, the airfield. That process began with attaching GoPro cameras tosimulator can be used to train operations supervisors for airfield an operations vehicle to capture video and audio of full airfieldinspections and test response by ARFF crews. Airports can also inspections, both day and night. As the vehicle navigated aroundgenerate custom scenarios, such as recreating specific incidents the airfield, the drivers or passengers narrated the process andto share lessons learned with other drivers. pointed out specific objects that needed to be included in the simulated environment. In addition to these videos, the team atThe simulator technology can track various metrics, such as UFA used satellite images and more than 250 pictures of thespeeding, ground incursions and adherence to signage, and can airfield, maps of pavement markings and signage, and buildingbe equipped with built-in voice recognition software that allows information modeling of facilities to create a virtual version oftrainees to interact with the systems auto controller. Think of it OMAs airfield. like AI, Harrison explains. It understands the rules of aviation and is moving planes and vehicles at the same time. Aubry notes that the airport has three runways, associated taxiways and several aprons, which include many lights, signs andWarm Receptionother physical elements that needed to be noted. There was a lotSimulated driver training has been well received at OMAof work going into making everything look real and putting thingsespecially by those who are new to the airport environment. They in the correct location, he relates. often request more time in the simulator, Aubry reports. Wed love The process was iterative to produce the most accurateto train as much as possible, but we have to fit that into our general depiction of the airfield as possible. Ultimately, it concluded withoperating schedule.a final inspection in October 2022, when Aubry and other airportOne potential wrinkle with driving simulators is motion sickness. personnel visited UFA offices in Maryland to experience theAubry says the airport was aware that it can be an issue for simulator and create a final punch list before it was delivered toa small percentage of people and has a contingency plan for the airport in November 2022.environment training if needed. Virtual Training, Tangible Results In addition to overwhelming acceptance from trainees, air Three experienced employees from the Operations Departmenttraffic controllers at OMA are fully on board as well. Were out on act as the primary instructors for simulator training, and 60 to 70the airfield training in the real environment less often, so its less people with airfield driving privileges use the high-tech tool. Weof a burden on the controllers having to talk to us during those treat the use of the simulator as if we were doing the practicaldifferent training operations, Aubry explains. And, of course, driving experience on the field, Aubry relates. It not only helpswere not in constant conflict with aircraft operations while were employees become more comfortable with their driving abilitiesusing it.and airfield knowledge; it also provides productive one-on-oneIn addition to spending $125,000 to create the popular training discussions with the operations supervisor who is conducting thetool, OMA also built expenses into its capital budget for support training. If a driver makes a mistake or has a question, its easyinfrastructure. You have to have space for the simulator, Aubry to pause the lesson to review and discussnotes. the situation. You dont always have thoseCurrently, the 15-by-15-foot training room is located under one opportunities when youre out on the airfield,of the airports two concourses. Soon, it will be relocated to the Aubry explains. remote badging office to facilitate construction, but will return to OMA Chief Operating Officer Tim Schmittthe terminal complex when the Build OMA Terminal Modernization agrees about the benefits. Prior to theProgram is complete. simulator, [some trainees] went into an TIM SCHMITTAirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'