Middle Georgia State University will partner with the FAA to authorize the school for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).
According to a U.S. Department of Transportation news release, the agreement is part of efforts to grow the number of AT-CTI schools and allow more young Americans to be hired by air traffic control (ATC) facilities faster.
“We need more of the best and brightest in our towers to make our nation’s air traffic system the envy of the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the release. “Enhanced AT-CTI programs like the one at Middle Georgia State University are key to building a next-generation workforce, reducing delays, unlocking the future of aviation.”
Of the eight AT-CTI programs currently authorized by the FAA across seven U.S. colleges, this will be the first in Georgia. The program’s curriculum and training technology match that offered by the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
“As Georgia’s flagship aviation school, we take seriously the responsibility of equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed for safe and efficient air travel,” said Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University, in the release. “Our commitment to our core value of adaptability ensures our programs stay current with technological advances and industry changes, preparing graduates who can thrive in dynamic aviation environments.”
The initiative is one of several recent incentives aimed at addressing challenges with ATC hiring. The FAA has worked to shorten training times and is offering cash bonuses for new hires in hard-to-staff regions.
The release stated that the agency is facing a national shortage of around 3,000 controllers.
Enhanced AT-CTI schools like Middle Georgia State University require students to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) and meet other FAA requirements before reporting directly to an FAA facility to begin their training. This is different from the Standard AT-CTI, where graduates attend the FAA Academy but can bypass the introductory Air Traffic Basics Course.
According to the release, the AT-CTI initiative has qualified and referred over 8,320 candidates to the ATSA.
