Following media day, on Friday, July 25 Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) joined Vaughn College, major airline representatives and community members for a press conference to celebrate the implementation of an Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Enhanced AT-CTI program offers an accelerated employment pathway to become an air traffic controller. Graduates may be placed directly into FAA facilities for controller training (bypassing training time at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma), provided they pass Vaughn’s requirements, the FAA’s Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam and meet medical and security requirements. Vaughn College is the fifth institution to sign an agreement with the FAA and the first in northeast. 

“Earlier this year, I provided a letter of support to the Federal Aviation Administration for their admission to the AT-CTI,” said Congresswomen Ocasio-Cortez. “This program will make our skies safer by addressing the national shortage of air traffic controllers and will connect students in The Bronx and Queens to high-paying, union careers.”

Congressmen Suozzi commented: Vaughn’s entry into the ECTI program means that more New Yorkers who want to become air traffic controllers can do it without moving to Oklahoma City, and young people who love flying from all over the country can now come and train right here in Queens.

Coverage was aired on Friday from a number of media outlets. WABC and NY1 aired its segment three times, WCBS aired its segment twice. WNBC, Telemundo, 1010 WINS aired its segment Friday evening.

To watch the press conference on YouTube, click here.

 

NY1 covers air traffic control press conference at Vaughn CollegeAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to Vaughn's air traffic control program on NBC7 news during press conference