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Aviation industry faces air traffic controller shortage
The aviation industry is facing a significant shortage of air traffic controllers. This situation has prompted the development of new educational programs designed to expedite training. One notable initiative is the Enhanced Air Traffic Control Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), which has recently received authorization from the FAA. This program offers a streamlined pathway to becoming a controller, responding to the pressing need for qualified personnel in this vital sector.
Increasing demand for air traffic controllers
As air travel continues to rise, the demand for skilled air traffic controllers has reached unprecedented levels. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recognized the need to recruit at least 8,900 new controllers by 2028 to address this growing necessity. Recent reports indicate that approximately 3,000 controller positions remain unfilled nationwide, highlighting significant staffing disparities across various facilities.
The situation worsened during a recent federal government shutdown, which underscored the precarious state of staffing levels. This led to increased delays and reroutes, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced training programs to develop new talent in air traffic control.
Middle Georgia State University’s role in controller training
Middle Georgia State University is one of the few institutions authorized to offer the Enhanced Air Traffic Control Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. This initiative is reshaping the educational framework for future air traffic controllers. Traditionally, students needed to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which often involved long waitlists and extensive training periods. Now, graduates of the Enhanced AT-CTI program can start their careers immediately after completing their studies, provided they fulfill specific FAA requirements, including passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), as well as medical and security evaluations.
Student experiences in the Enhanced AT-CTI program
Students at Middle Georgia State, including aspiring air traffic controller Brooke Graffagnino, discuss the challenges and excitement associated with the profession. The demanding nature of air traffic control can be exhilarating, often causing a rapid heartbeat as students learn to manage multiple aircraft simultaneously. Graffagnino explains, “It kind of gets your chest beating, because with how much traffic there is, sometimes it is intense.”
As their training progresses, students face increased complexity, requiring them to effectively manage more planes within busy airspace. Graffagnino emphasizes, “Once you get into congested airspace, especially around major airports, you need someone to help coordinate and keep everything separated and safe.” This highlights the crucial role controllers play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.
Impact of the enhanced AT-CTI program
Following the approval of the Enhanced Air Traffic Control Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program in mid-2025, Middle Georgia State University has seen a significant increase in student enrollment. The number of students has surged from approximately 20 to 54. Kemarie Jeffers, chair of the aviation science and management department, attributes this growth to the program’s distinctive offerings. “Before our program had maybe about 17 to 20 students. Right now we have 54, so we have already, in that short amount of time, almost tripled in size the amount of students that we have.”
To achieve the enhanced designation, the university upgraded its curriculum and facilities. This included installing advanced audio and video systems in their control tower simulator. These improvements enable the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to monitor training sessions remotely, ensuring compliance with federal standards.
Future prospects and the path ahead
Upon completing the Enhanced AT-CTI program, students must pass a final simulation that replicates the evaluation process at the FAA Academy. This rigorous training equips them to handle challenges in real-world scenarios. Jeffers emphasizes the significance of this final assessment, stating, “Our instructors will then run a scenario and they will be graded in the exact same way in which they will be graded at the academy.”
According to the FAA’s 2025 Workforce Plan, the agency plans to hire approximately 2,000 controllers in fiscal year 2025, with further increases anticipated in subsequent years. However, it is crucial to recognize that retirements may offset some of this growth, making initiatives like the Enhanced AT-CTI program essential for ensuring a steady influx of qualified air traffic controllers into the workforce.