Gotta agree with Scott there. I don't think a computer will replace a human anytime soon.
I was also involved in the datalink trials in Bournemouth (NATS' ATMDC) and feel that it was a hard fight to get a datalink implementation that was
human-centred rather than
technology-centred. Not saying it didn't show some benefits, just that people's expectations about new technologies and systems have to include a
prominent role for the human.
Simulation booked for 2008 - that sounds about right. ATMDC (or ATTSC or whatever it's called today) try to book up their simulator slots a long time in advance. And don't underestimate the effort needed to prepare for the simulation - best start now!
