The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it is working to accelerate its training and hiring of air traffic controllers through an Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programme.
“Hiring more air traffic controllers is a priority,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “We need more entry points for controller candidates and this enhanced college controller training programme is an additional avenue to get controllers into facilities sooner.”
The Enhanced AT-CTI programme will bolster the current hiring pipeline by allowing the FAA to hire more candidates who can begin facility training immediately upon graduation.
The FAA is authorising institutions in the AT-CTI programme to provide the same thorough curriculum offered at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy.
After graduating from one of the eligible schools, new hires can immediately begin localised training at an air traffic facility. These graduates still must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and meet medical and security requirements.
Colleges will apply to join the Enhanced AT-CTI program in April 2024, and the FAA will then sign partnership agreements with the selected institutions that incorporate the new curriculum.
The FAA has now surveyed which institutions in the AT-CTI program want to and can incorporate the new enhancements for the 2024-25 school year.
To ensure the highest quality of the Enhanced AT-CTI graduating students, the FAA has already provided guidance on academy criteria and coursework and will oversee all programme requirements. These schools will follow all the technology, testing, oversight, and participation requirements of the new Enhanced AT-CTI program.
The current AT-CTI programme is a non-funded partnership between select colleges and universities and the FAA, and is a valuable source of applicants for air traffic controller positions.
First published by FINN: www.wearefinn.com
Feb 14, 2024 – 9:00 am
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