Air Traffic Control College

One of 23 Aviation Colleges Selected by the FAA to Recommend Graduates

The Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program is a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to provide the academic preparation necessary for students interested in air traffic control careers. Vaughn's air traffic control college is one of 23 aviation colleges in the country selected by the FAA to participate in this program that allows the air traffic control college to recommend its graduates to the FAA for hire as air traffic controllers.

In recent months numerous media sources, including The New York Times and CNN, have reported on the current shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. In a December 2004 response to staffing needs, the FAA published "A Plan for the Future: The FAA's 10 Year Strategy for the Air Traffic Control Workforce". In this document, the FAA acknowledged that over the next 10 years, 73% of the Agency's controllers would become eligible to retire. The FAA plans on recruiting and hiring 12,500 new controllers over the next 10 years. Currently, the FAA only accepts applications from those with prior (civilian or military) air traffic control experience, along with graduates of 23 aviation colleges in the United States who participate in the FAA's Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). In their "Plan for the Future", the FAA concludes, "CTI schools will most likely become an even more important source of candidates between the years 2007-2014". (pg. 56)

For more detailed information about qualifications, and answers to other specific questions about the FAA's hiring practices, please visit:

Informational Pamphlets for Entry Level Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) .
Qualification Process
AT-CTI Frequently Asked Questions

You can review the FAA's entire 2005-2014 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan by visiting: http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/controller_staffing/.

In order to apply for employment as an air traffic controller, applicants must successfully complete our air traffic control college CTI program, achieve a qualifying score on the authorized FAA pre-employment test. The pre-employment test is currently ONLY offered to students in the FAA's Student Intern Program or the Air Traffic Control - Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). In order to qualify to take the FAA's pre-employment exam, CTI candidates are required to hold an approved degree (associate or bachelor's) from one of the 13 partner air traffic control colleges offering CTI programs, and in addition, complete the requirements for the College's Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. Candidates must also meet all FAA pre-employment requirements listed below:

  • Achieve a qualifying score on the current FAA testing procedures
  • Meet entry-level air traffic control specialist (ATCS) medical standards
  • Pass pre-employment drug test
  • Pass the background investigation for security and suitability
  • Hold U.S. citizenship
  • May not have reached their 31st birthday prior to initial appointment
  • Complete course work including all AT-CTI specific courses
  • Be able to read, write and understand the English language and speak it rapidly without accent or impediment of speech
  • Successfully complete the FAA interview process
  • Receive Vaughn College's recommendation based on grade point average and attendance

The Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative is not a degree-granting program; rather it is a set of courses offered in conjunction with several of Vaughn College's degree programs. The compatible programs include:

AAS or BS in Airport Management

AAS or BS in Electronic Engineering Technology (Avionics Option)

AAS or BS in Aircraft Operations (Flight)

AAS or BS in Aviation Maintenance (applicants to the AAS or BS programs in Maintenance must either hold an airframe and powerplant certificate or obtain one through Vaughn College's Aviation Training Institute.)

Eligibility and Qualification Requirements

All Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology students are eligible to participate in the AT-CTI program. Depending on the student's degree program, one to three additional courses would be required to meet the FAA and AT-CTI academic requirements.

Students who have completed undergraduate coursework at a regionally accredited college or university are eligible to transfer and complete courses required for the AT-CTI program at Vaughn College. However, all transfer students must earn a Vaughn College degree in one of the approved programs of study, and complete the three specific AT-CTI courses while studying at the College. Students may transfer as many courses from other institutions as are applicable to their chosen program of study, but must complete a MINIMUM of 30 credits in residency at Vaughn College in order to earn a degree. This requirement also holds true for students transferring from other CTI partner colleges who did not participate in the AT-CTI initiative when they attended their respective institution.

Applicants Holding an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Vaughn College offers students holding an academic associates or bachelors degree, in a business-related filed, from a regionally accredited college or university, an opportunity to complete the CTI requirements and earn a second associate's or bachelor's degree in Airport Management by enrolling in a 30 credit course of study involving aviation, management, and air traffic control. Students who complete this program will be eligible to sit for the FAA's qualifying exam during their second semester of study. Applicants who have earned an academic associate's or bachelor's degree in a non-business related field are also eligible for the fast-track 30-credit program, but may need to take an additional 3 to 21 credits in Math and Business if they have not done so through previous undergraduate study. For detailed information on the required coursework, please download the appropriate document below.

Students holding academic associates degrees
Students holding academic bachelors degrees

In response to the needs of our non-traditional students, a number of the required 10 courses in the fast-track 30-credit program are offered online, though students will not be able to complete the entire program without attending courses in person. Courses are generally offered both days and evenings, and Saturday courses are planned in the near future. Vaughn College's affordable tuition (one of the lowest private college tuition rates in the Nation), combined with generous financial aid packages and academic scholarships for students achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher make this program an attractive, as well as affordable option for students seeking a career change.