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The FAA announced Monday that it opened the application process for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. The Enhanced AT-CTI will assist in the acceleration of air traffic controller hiring and training.
"Hiring more air traffic controllers is a top priority, and we must accelerate our efforts," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. "In addition to filling every seat at the Academy, this enhanced college controller training program gives us another avenue to grow and train the workforce."
The agency developed the Enhanced AT-CTI to develop an additional training pipeline for controllers by authorizing institutions to provide the same comprehensive curriculum the FAA provides at its Air Traffic Controller Academy. Upon graduation from eligible schools, the new hires can begin training at an air traffic facility. Graduates are still required to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam as well as meet medical and security requirements.RELATED STORIES:FAA convenes panel of experts to address air traffic controller fatigueFAA achieves 1,500-controller hiring goal for 2023
The FAA will provide guidance on academy criteria and coursework and it will oversee program requirements. The FAA began accepting applications on Monday and interested schools can submit an online application year-round. The Enhanced AT-CTI is one of the many actions the FAA has taken to increase the number of controllers and bolster training. Aggressive actions include the year-round hiring of experienced controllers from the military and private industry, filling each seat at the FAA Academy and completing the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in 95 facilities by December 2025.