The software has a voice recognition feature in which students—acting as air flight controllers—give voice commands to airplanes for landing and takeoff. Through the voice-recognition feature, students see their voice commands translated onto their computer monitor, which displays a map of the runways at Denver International Airport.

"We're the only college in the country using this software," said Department Chair Jeff Forrest.

The software provides students a realistic taste of the pressures that air traffic controllers face. Most Metro aviation and aerospace students intend to become pilots, and instructor Mary Ozimkowski, a retired air traffic controller who worked many years at DIA, believes the air traffic control training gives students critical safety tools. "A pilot who knows what the air traffic controller is facing is a better, safer pilot."