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.
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.
That way fewer controllers are needed.
So glad the FAA is not partnering with Harvard or their ilk.
1985? Was that after the Reagan mass layoff of the striking PATCO controllers?
No DEI this time. OK?
Go nowhere else.
That was in 1981. I am sure they were probably short-handed still.
It's an unholy alliance between the government and your ratings.
Maybe they should just make a really cool video game.
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
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.
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.
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.
I though Obama eliminated the college requirement to emphasize DEI. The ones in the middle of degrees were SOL.
Somebody has to ask. Does that mean proof of being mRNA'd is required?
Hell of a holding pattern, Larry. :)
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.
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