U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that Nashua Community College in New Hampshire has joined the Federal Aviation Administration's Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). This marks the fifth new CTI program announced this year, part of an effort to recruit future air traffic controllers.
"Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re solving the air traffic controller shortage one step at a time," said Duffy. "Our new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract the best and brightest to fill our air traffic control towers."
The FAA has authorized nine programs at eight schools, providing curriculum and training technology similar to its Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. This is New Hampshire's first such program.
During a recent hiring campaign, over 10,000 applications were received by the FAA, with more than 8,300 referred for testing. July saw a record number of students in training at the Academy.
"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.
Governor Kelly Ayotte highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities in high-demand fields: "This partnership with Nashua Community College will help build the workforce of tomorrow right here in the Granite State."
Enhanced AT-CTI students must pass several requirements before beginning their training at an FAA facility. The FAA also offers year-round hiring for experienced controllers and is modernizing simulators for efficient training.
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