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Aviation Program
Air Traffic Control Program
Program at a Glance
Degree and credential levels offered :
Bachelor of Science (BS) | Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Special designation :
FAA Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) – Standard and Enhanced designations, as well as the Control Tower Operator Partnership (CTO-P)
Example programs :
Aeronautical Sciences (BS) | Airport Management (BS/AAS) | Airline Management (BS) | Aircraft Operations (AAS) | Electronic Engineering Technology Avionics (BS/AAS) | Aviation Maintenance (BS/AAS) | Aviation Maintenance Management (BS)
Employer partners :
Federal Aviation Administration—named partnership enabling placement in FAA facilities and Federal Contract Tower (FCT) positions
Sample careers graduates pursue :
Air traffic controller | Control tower operator (FAA facilities and Federal Contract Tower placements)
Location and facilities :
Vaughn campus at 86-01 23rd Avenue, Flushing, New York 11369, adjacent to LaGuardia Airport. Vaughn offers the AT-CTI program (standard and enhanced) in a dedicated air traffic control laboratory. Vaughn has invested over $700,000 in its current air traffic simulation equipment manufactured by leading air traffic control simulation provider, UFA. The equipment, in its present configuration, provides training for about 150 Standard AT-CTI students and nine E-CTI students.
The Future of Air Traffic Controllers
Getting your air traffic control training at Vaughn College will expose you to the industry’s most current and modern technology and research. Our air traffic control program — standard and enhanced — was designed to prepare students for certification, among other air traffic control requirements. The hands-on approach we have taken in our curriculum has allowed many students to become successful air traffic controllers. Our air traffic control program is flexible for both traditional and non-traditional students.
Under the enhanced AT-CTI program Vaughn also offers the Control Tower Operator Partnership Program (CTO-P) as a pathway into approximately 265 federal contract towers that have different criteria for placement such as no age restrictions.
Vaughn’s partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) helps students qualify for air traffic controller jobs more quickly, thanks to the educational background and experience offered to help them get certified.
8th Best Regional College in New York State
95%
OF VAUGHN GRADUATES
71% in their field—are employed or continue their education within one year*
Curriculum
What You Will Study
Our air traffic control program is flexible for both traditional and non-traditional students. It is not a degree granting program; it is a set of courses that can be taken in conjunction with several degree programs offered by Vaughn College. Many of the air traffic control courses are offered in-person and online to meet the diverse needs of the programs’ students. The air traffic control courses at Vaughn are offered during the days and evenings with mandatory on campus class assignments for some classes. Our goal is to allow everyone―new students entering air traffic control for the first time and industry professionals eager to expand their knowledge―the opportunity to take courses and complete the program in accordance with their schedules.
Air traffic control professionals utilize FAA approved training material for all classes as well as knowledge of aircraft operating limitations and performance, weather and atmospheric processes, radar theory and radar systems, federal regulations, the US air traffic control system, as well as navigation methods within the National Airspace System.
Standard Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)
AT-CTI institutions offer two- and four-year non-engineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in air traffic control and aviation administration.
The Standard AT-CTI Program graduates are selected from a special open ATCS announcement that is usually announced yearly. Students selects are eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, conducted at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and enter the Academy for option-specific initial training. Graduates from AT-CTI Institutions can apply for FAA Air Traffic Control positions in a selected pool of applicants because of their AT-CTI-approved program training. Students must be selected prior to reaching age 31 as spelled out in Public Law for FAA facilities.
Freshman and transfer students can enroll in one of the following approved degree programs:
Bachelor of Science
- Aeronautical Sciences
- Airport Management
- Airline Management
- Aircraft Operations
- Electronic Engineering Technology Avionics
- Aviation Maintenance
- Aviation Maintenance Management
Associate in Applied Science
Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)
Through this program, successful graduates may be placed directly into FAA facilities or apply for positions in Federal Contract Towers (FCTs) for controller positions. In order to be considered by the FAA, students must pass the FAA evaluation procedures at Vaughn College, the FAA Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) with either a well-qualified or best-qualified rating, as well as age, citizenship, medical and security requirements as required by the FAA. Students must be under age 31 at time of hiring for FAA facilities.
- Freshman and transfer students can enroll in the bachelor of science Aeronautical Sciences degree program, however, if you wish the ATC Enhanced option you must have either a well or best-qualified designation on the FAA ATSA examination which is only offered and scheduled through the College twice a year in January and June, and an FAA equivalent FAA second class medical. The Enhanced portion is taught in the students’ eighth semester only as long as the requirements are met.
- Other degree programs may be modified to accommodate the enhanced program
- A one-year enhanced AT-CTI certificate program is also an option for those with an existing four-year degree or one year of full-time work experience (full time defined as a 40-hour work week) or a combination of experience and education
Control Tower Operator Partnership Program (CTO-P)
The Control Tower Operator Partnership Program (CTO-P) under the enhanced AT-CTI program, is a collaborative initiative between the FAA and academic institutions to increase the number of qualified air traffic controllers specifically for the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) system.
Graduates of approved institutions are eligible to apply for selection at one of the 265 FCTs. The requirements to apply for an FCT position is successful completion of the CTO-P Program, an FAA second class medical, and a passing grade on the FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) written examination. While it is not a direct hiring path into any FAA facility, the program builds a future pipeline for the FAA workforce. Certified Professional Controllers. With 52 weeks of FCT experience individuals are eligible to apply for positions when an open announcement is published on USAJOBS up to age 35. The FCTs have no age requirement therefore providing a path for older individuals.
- This program is an option for those with an existing four-year degree or one year of full-time work experience (full time defined as a 40-hour work week) or a combination of experience and education
Three Pathways to an Air Traffic Controller Career
| Standard AT-CTI | Enhanced AT-CTI (E-CTI) | CTO-P (Control Tower Operator Partnership) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Traditional pathway through the FAA Academy | Direct pathway from college to FAA facility training | Pathway through contract tower operations leading to FAA opportunities |
| Who Can Participate? | Students enrolled in the AT-CTI program | Students enrolled in the Enhanced AT-CTI program | Students pursuing the CTOP pathway |
| ATSA Exam Required? | Yes | Yes | No |
| FAA Academy Required? | Yes | No | No |
| Training Location | Vaughn College + FAA Academcy | Vaughn College | Vaughn College and contract tower training |
| Age Restriction | Must be hired before age 31 | Must be hired before age 31 | No age restriction for program participation; FAA tower application available up to age 35 |
| Apply Through FAA Hiring Process? | Yes | Yes | Yes, after gaining qualifying tower experience |
| Direct Entry to FAA Facility Training | No | Yes | No |
| Competitive Advantage | Strong preparation and preferred applicant pool when you come from an approved institution | Fastest route to an FAA controller career | Greater flexibility and an alternative route to an FAA controller career |
| Best For | Students pursuing the traditional collegiate ATC route | Students seeking the most direct path to the FAA and can afford the costs of training. Students would did not pass the FAA Academy and need a different approach | Students seeking a contract tower pathway and additional flexibility |
Three Pathways to an Air Traffic Controller Career
The Latest Air Traffic Control Blogs and News from Vaughn College
