Aims Community College in Colorado has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to join the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI), according to an announcement from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The E-CTI program allows students who complete its requirements to bypass the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and proceed directly to on-site training at FAA facilities.
“Thanks to President Trump, we are unlocking new ways for Americans to achieve their American Dream,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “By adding institutions like Aims Community College to the FAA’s training network, we can bolster the American workforce and deliver the world-class air traffic control system the American people deserve.”
Aims is now the 11th institution nationwide, and the eighth under Secretary Duffy’s tenure, to be added to this program as part of ongoing efforts to recruit new air traffic controllers.
“This partnership with Aims Community College in Greeley creates another strong pipeline to bring new air traffic controllers into the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “By expanding opportunities here in Colorado, we’re advancing our mission to strengthen the controller workforce and keep the flying public safe.”
The current administration has introduced measures such as streamlined hiring processes and increased starting salaries for trainees. These steps contributed to surpassing hiring goals for Fiscal Year 2025, with 2,026 new controllers joining the agency.
“I’m thrilled that Aims Community College will join a select group of institutions implementing the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. As a former Blackhawk helicopter pilot, I know firsthand how critical air traffic controllers are to aviation and to keeping our airways, pilots, and passengers safe,” said Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08). “I’m grateful to Secretary Duffy for his commitment to training the next generation of aviation professionals and for giving Aims and Colorado’s 8th District the opportunity to help lead the nation in this important effort.”
“I’m thrilled to see Aims Community College become the latest institution to join Secretary Duffy’s Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative,” said Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04). “This program is a game-changer for Colorado students and our aviation workforce, providing a direct pipeline to high-paying, critical careers in air traffic control while helping address the longstanding national shortage. By bringing elite training opportunities to northern Colorado, we're investing in the next generation of aviation professionals who help keep our skies safe every day.”
Students at E-CTI schools receive an endorsement certificate upon passing final assessments. This allows them eligibility for direct placement into an FAA facility after meeting additional testing and security requirements. The collaboration between FAA and Aims covers both Tower and En Route programs; successful candidates may be assigned either at an Air Traffic Control Tower or an Air Route Traffic Control Center.
The FAA continues year-round recruitment of experienced controllers from military backgrounds or private industry while expanding its use of modernized simulators intended for real-world scenario-based training.
