The Federal Aviation Administration has signed its first university to join the Enhanced Air Traffic Controller Training Program as the administration aims to improve flying safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that Middle Georgia State University signed to offer the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative.
The FAA has authorized eight programs for seven schools to carry the same courses and advanced training technology offered by the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City.
“We need more of the best and brightest in our towers to make our nation’s air traffic system the envy of the world,” Mr. Duffy said in a 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.”
Christopher Blake, president of MGSU, said, “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. 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.”
Students in the AT-CIA programs must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, meet the medical and security requirements of the FAA and pass performance verifications to get an official endorsement certificate before heading to training.
This is just one part of the Transportation Department’s goal to supercharge the industry. Over 8,320 candidates have already qualified and been referred to the ATSA.
To encourage more people to join the controller workforce, Mr. Duffy has also created a package that includes financial incentives for those who graduate from programs, new hires who complete training milestones and those who choose to work at facilities that are difficult to staff.
Air traffic control in the U.S. faces a shortage of roughly 3,000 controllers, along with outdated technology and funding. Understaffing has led to concerns about fatigue and limited flights at certain airports.
Fewer than 10% of applicants meet the requirements to be an air traffic controller, according to the FAA.
The Trump administration has promised to fix these issues after a number of control tower incidents and crashes plagued the beginning of the president’s second term, including a collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight heading into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All 67 people aboard both aircraft died.
If the president’s Big Beautiful Bill passes, the FAA will receive $12.5 billion in funding.
“We will need more money, but this critical funding is a start to cover state-of-the-art radar, fiber optic lines, and new radios — key pieces of equipment that should have been integrated years ago,” Mr. Duffy wrote in an op-ed for Fox News last month. “It’s not the all-new system President Trump wants, and America deserves, but it’s an important down payment to get the job finished.”
