VATSIM and MITRE's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) have joined together to conduct aviation systems research using the VATSIM network as a test environment for proof of concept and hypothesis testing of new ATC solutions.
Richard Jenkins of VATSIM writes, "This program is the direct result of the exacting standards required to fly and control on VATSIM and is a direct tribute to your tireless efforts to simulate as real as it gets. Today VATSIM leaves the world of purely a hobby and moves into the real world, making its contribution to future ATC systems and aviation safety."
From the CAASD web site Overview, "MITRE has helped the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) address the nation's most critical aviation issues since the company's creation in 1958. In recognition of this long and fruitful relationship, the FAA designated MITRE's aviation program as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center in 1990 and named the new entity the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD). In addition to supporting the FAA, CAASD works with civil aviation authorities around the world, all of which face similar challenges. This enables us to increase our knowledge of best practices in aviation and share them with all our customers." CAASD primarily supports the FAA, but also works with more than 20 aviation organizations around the world: in Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. For more information from VATSIM, check out the VATSIM Forums.
About VATSIM:
In VATSIM, pilots of different flight simulators (i.e. Microsoft Flight Simulator) join into a network to fly together and enjoy the virtual flying adventure "as real as it gets". VATSIM offers training for virtual pilots and the career of a virtual Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in various places around the globe. More then 200.000 users are enlisted in the network. The use of VATSIM is free of charges.
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