U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced that Middle Georgia State University will join the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. This agreement marks the first such program in Georgia, aimed at accelerating the entry of young Americans into air traffic facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized eight programs across seven schools to provide comprehensive training similar to that offered at 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," said Duffy. He emphasized that programs like the one at Middle Georgia State University are crucial for developing a next-generation workforce.
Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University, expressed commitment to preparing students for dynamic aviation environments. "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," he said.
The AT-CTI initiative is part of Secretary Duffy’s strategy to enhance the air traffic controller hiring pipeline, which has already qualified over 8,320 candidates for assessment. The FAA faces a shortage of approximately 3,000 controllers nationwide and is implementing measures including financial incentives for graduates and new hires assigned to challenging locations.
Enhanced AT-CTI students must pass several requirements before beginning their training directly at an FAA facility. Unlike Standard AT-CTI graduates who attend the FAA Academy, these students bypass introductory courses. The FAA also recruits experienced controllers year-round from military and private sectors and is updating training with modern simulators.
Schools interested in joining as Enhanced AT-CTI institutions can apply online throughout the year.
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