Careers

FAA streamlines air traffic controller training to address staffing needs

324
(Photo from FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the introduction of an Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to bolster its hiring pipeline and accelerate the training of new air traffic controllers.

The revamped program will enable FAA-approved institutions to replicate the rigorous curriculum found at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy. Graduates will be positioned to bypass certain academy training by going directly into localized instruction at air traffic facilities. All candidates under the Enhanced AT-CTI program must still pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam while meeting necessary security and medical clearances.

In a press release, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said:

Hiring more air traffic controllers is a priority. We need more entry points for controller candidates and this enhanced college controller training program is an additional avenue to get controllers into facilities sooner.

The FAA will begin accepting applications from educational institutions to join the Enhanced AT-CTI program in April 2024. They aim to partner with schools capable of implementing the upgraded curriculum efficiently. The goal is to ensure the highest level of proficiency from Enhanced AT-CTI graduates through strict FAA oversight of technology, testing, and overall program requirements.

This enhancement of the AT-CTI program highlights the FAA’s push to increase its air traffic control workforce and revamp training systems. These are among the key recommendations stemming from the National Airspace System Safety Review Team Report.

Additional FAA initiatives addressing these concerns include consistent recruitment of experienced controllers and the ongoing upgrade of tower simulator systems across the nation.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Featured Stories

Categories

Related Articles

Airlines

Starlux Airlines orders 10 more Airbus A350-1000s

STARLUX Airlines has signed a firm order for 10 additional Airbus A350-1000s,...

Airlines

Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best Airline at 2025 Skytrax awards

Qatar Airways has once again been named the World’s Best Airline at...

Airlines

Vietjet signs deal for 100 Airbus A321neo jets at Paris Air Show

Vietnamese carrier Vietjet has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase 100...

Airlines

Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350‑1000 aircraft

At the Paris Air Show, Riyadh Air placed a firm order for...