Air traffic controllers help control how planes take off from the runway at the airport.
In order to become an air traffic controller in the United States of America, you will have to attend school and graduate from an air traffic controller training program. While there may be a number of different programs available for students, only certain programs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Attending a program that is approved by the FAA is an important part of becoming a successful air traffic controller.
FAA Approved Programs
The FAA has implemented the Air Traffic College Training Initiative program in order to help provide the ideal job training situation for potential employment candidates. The AT-CTI program has been implemented and incorporated into both two- and four-year non-engineering aviation degrees at a number of FAA-approved schools (see Resources) across the United States.
Benefits of AT-CTI
Most air traffic controllers in the United States are employed by either the FAA or the military. Job candidates who have taken FAA approved courses as part of their air traffic controller education may be more prepared for the specific demands and requirements specified by the FAA upon being hired. The FAA recommends prospective air traffic controllers attend a school with the AT-CTI program.
What AT-CTI Teaches
The AT-CTI program aims to provide students with a broad background of aviation knowledge in addition to the skills they will need to become an air traffic controller. Approved courses also specialize in teaching the information that appears on FAA air traffic controller certification and employment tests. However, taking these courses does not guarantee employment with the FAA. Job candidates still have to apply for individual openings and may be hired based on interviews, experience and the level of competition for the position.
Other Air Traffic Controller Training Programs
It is possible to attend an air traffic control school that is not approved by the FAA, however, attending a non-approved school, or a school approved by an entity outside the FAA (with the exception of the military) may not be viewed favorably by prospective employers.
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