Here's a chance to exercise some brain power instead of finger muscles, in this simulation of a flight controller's duties at Washington airport.

There are three levels, ranging from beginner to pro, but even the easiest proves demanding.

The screen shows runways and surrounding area as it would be seen on a controller's scanner. The aircraft appear as small white blips and there is a storm cloud for them to avoid. The object is to safely land five planes. As you may have to take control of a possible 10 aircrafts, some snap decision making is required.

Using several commands, you control the course and altitude of planes that are airborne and coming in to land. At the same time you must not forget to plan take off for those still on the ground.

Because the program is continually updating the screen display and aircraft data, trying to input commands seems very slow and can be inaccurate. If you don't correct your mistakes a "Message Garbled" appears on the screen. This sometimes locks up the program, in which case you have to break and start again!

J.W.