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FAA partners with college to train next generation air traffic controllers
The Center Square ^ | 08/11/2025 | Ashley Olds

Posted on 08/11/2025 2:32:29 PM PDT by DFG

To expand specialized training under the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration will be partnering with Nashua Community College.

“​​Our new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract the best and brightest to fill our air traffic control towers,” Duffy said in a statement. “To all the young Americans considering a career in this exciting field – your work will make flying safer and more efficient than ever.”

Monday's announcement is the newest program “to be announced this year” in Duffy’s initiative to build support for a new generation of air traffic controllers, according to the statement.

“Investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers is critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of our national airspace,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Across the country, the FAA has only nine programs that have been approved at eight colleges and universities. These programs reflect the curriculum and technology being used in Oklahoma City, Okla.

In New Hampshire, this marks the first FAA-authorized training program.

“By expanding training opportunities through these programs, we’re not only meeting today’s staffing needs—we’re building a resilient workforce ready to handle the challenges of tomorrow,” Bedford said.

“Expanding opportunities in high-demand fields is essential to ensuring New Hampshire has a dependable pipeline of talent,” New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said.

During the Supercharge hiring campaign, over 10,000 people applied for it before it closed on March 17. Out of that many applicants, only 8,300 made it to the testing phase. By the end of July, the FAA broke a record by having 550 students enrolled at the FAA Academy. That’s the most they have had in agency history.

In order to receive an official endorsement certificate, students must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, meet the required medical and background clearance standards, and successfully demonstrate their skills through an evaluation based on how well they perform.


TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: airtraffic; atc; aviation; controllers; faa; flying

1 posted on 08/11/2025 2:32:29 PM PDT by DFG
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To: DFG

I almost became an ATC in 1985. I took the standardized test in Muskogee, Oklahoma and they gave me a training a lot in OKC. I ended up going to graduate school instead.


2 posted on 08/11/2025 2:35:15 PM PDT by crusty old prospector
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To: DFG
If Elon Musk can design and build a self-driving taxi service, then he can design and build an AI-enhanced ATC system that handles routine traffic, and passes along difficult or emergency situations to human controllers.

That way fewer controllers are needed.

3 posted on 08/11/2025 2:37:57 PM PDT by Yo-Yo (Is the /Sarc tag really necessary?)
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To: DFG
the Federal Aviation Administration will be partnering with Nashua Community College.

So glad the FAA is not partnering with Harvard or their ilk.

4 posted on 08/11/2025 2:38:38 PM PDT by libertylover (The HBM (Has Been Media) is almost all AGENDA-DRIVEN, not-truth driven.)
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To: crusty old prospector
I almost became an ATC in 1985. I took the standardized test in Muskogee, Oklahoma and they gave me a training a lot in OKC. I ended up going to graduate school instead.

1985? Was that after the Reagan mass layoff of the striking PATCO controllers?

5 posted on 08/11/2025 2:39:05 PM PDT by Yo-Yo (Is the /Sarc tag really necessary?)
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To: DFG

No DEI this time. OK?


6 posted on 08/11/2025 2:39:48 PM PDT by ComputerGuy
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To: DFG
Embry Riddle.

Go nowhere else.

7 posted on 08/11/2025 2:40:33 PM PDT by blackdog ((Z28.310) "Diggin the scene with a gangster lean" (Mayfield, Curtis) )
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To: Yo-Yo

That was in 1981. I am sure they were probably short-handed still.


8 posted on 08/11/2025 2:40:42 PM PDT by crusty old prospector
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To: DFG
Today's young employees...


9 posted on 08/11/2025 2:41:22 PM PDT by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is opinion or satire. Or both.)
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To: DFG
Sea plane, CFII, Pvt, Cmm, Inst, Multi Engine, and Type Ratings. DO Your Own Thing.

It's an unholy alliance between the government and your ratings.

10 posted on 08/11/2025 2:44:33 PM PDT by blackdog ((Z28.310) "Diggin the scene with a gangster lean" (Mayfield, Curtis) )
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To: DFG

Maybe they should just make a really cool video game.


11 posted on 08/11/2025 2:46:06 PM PDT by fruser1
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To: DFG

Air Traffic — Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)

AT-CTI schools offer two- and four-year non-engineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in air traffic control and aviation administration. The AT-CTI program is designed to provide qualified candidates for developmental air traffic control specialist positions.

https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/schools


12 posted on 08/11/2025 2:50:58 PM PDT by Rio
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To: crusty old prospector; Yo-Yo

Sometime during 1985 I showed up on a Saturday to take an ATC exam. The door was locked. I checked and realized I was a week late for the exam. Decided maybe I should pursue another profession.


13 posted on 08/11/2025 3:04:48 PM PDT by Larry Lucido
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To: blackdog

There is a slight difference in the cost of sending your child to Embryo Riddle and Nashua Community College.
Especially if you live in NH.

I am in Nashua.
The former President of NCC was instrumental in bringing this program into the NH system.
Unfortunately, Lucille did not live to see it restarted in Nashua again.
It was a program at the former Daniel Webster College here in Nashua until it closed due to being bought by ITT.

I have a coworker who’s daughter is enrolled in the pilot program at Embry Riddle.
It is over $75K per year.
She is in her second year and already has an internship with Alaska Airlines.


14 posted on 08/11/2025 3:14:13 PM PDT by woodbutcher1963
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To: blackdog

There are a lot of ATC personnel here in the Nashua area because of the FAA center here.
Including my former electrician.
Who became an electrician after being fired by Reagan.


15 posted on 08/11/2025 3:19:00 PM PDT by woodbutcher1963
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To: DFG

I though Obama eliminated the college requirement to emphasize DEI. The ones in the middle of degrees were SOL.


16 posted on 08/11/2025 3:42:55 PM PDT by alternatives?
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To: DFG
students must...meet the required medical clearance standards

Somebody has to ask. Does that mean proof of being mRNA'd is required?

17 posted on 08/11/2025 4:26:16 PM PDT by MurrietaMadman (The Gates of hell shall not prevail against you)
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To: Larry Lucido

Hell of a holding pattern, Larry. :)


18 posted on 08/11/2025 4:30:41 PM PDT by Tijeras_Slim
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To: woodbutcher1963
Yes, one no longer has to go the indentured servitude route of CFI, CFII, and build 2,000 hours PIC. ESPECIALLY if you are a female. Two of the best CFI's I ever had were women. Sharp as tacks. The worst ever, was the DE giving me my Seaplane Rating. Awful old guy, in his 80's.

Best female DE was my Lear 24 check ride. 2:00 AM and she carried her own pillow and microwave popcorn. If you've ever squeezed yourself into a Lear 24, you know that's about all there's room for. Highly skilled lady. She knew her stuff.

19 posted on 08/11/2025 7:38:13 PM PDT by blackdog ((Z28.310) "Diggin the scene with a gangster lean" (Mayfield, Curtis) )
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To: AdmSmith; AnonymousConservative; Arthur Wildfire! March; Berosus; Bockscar; BraveMan; cardinal4; ...

20 posted on 08/12/2025 7:38:42 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (The moron troll Ted Holden believes that humans originated on Ganymede.)
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