Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiatives (AT-CTI)
The Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) is a non-funded partnership between the FAA and approved institutions.
Enhanced AT-CTI
The Enhanced Initiative was created to allow qualified institutions to provide their students with equivalent FAA Academy air traffic control training. The Enhanced AT-CTI graduate, with FAA oversight, will be placed directly into a facility if hired as Air Traffic Control Specialists. After graduating from one of the approved schools, new hires can immediately begin localized training at an air traffic facility. These graduates still must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) and meet medical and security requirements.
Institution Requirements
- Institution type: Be a degree-granting, not-for-profit, two- or four-year postsecondary educational institution, either public or private.
- Accreditation: Have regional or national equivalent institutional accreditation by a U.S. accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and be listed in the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
- Degree: Currently offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree. The FAA considers a degree or certificate viable only if it is active and students graduate with the degree or certificate. The FAA AT CTI Program Office allows non-engineering aviation accredited degree programs to be considered for application under the FAA Enhanced AT-CTI. The accredited degree program must contain the FAA-required curriculum. This includes bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, one-year certificate programs, and undergraduate minors associated with a non-engineering aviation major course of study that meets the abovementioned provisions.
- Initiative participation: Complete the Enhanced AT-CTI review process and adhere to the initiative participation requirements outlined in the Resource and Participation Guide.
- Faculty: Faculty members who teach the Initial Qualification (IQ) Academy curriculum as stated in the Resource and Participation Guide must have a minimum of three (3) years of fully credentialed experience as one of the following: FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC), military controllers with FAA credentials, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) air traffic controllers, and/or Control Tower Operator (CTO) controllers. Faculty will teach IQ curriculum relevant to their work history. The institution must have a process for review of faculty requirements. Institutions should be aware of the FAA’s Ethics Policy Statement on Teaching Enhanced AT-CTI curriculum that prohibits current FAA employees from teaching Enhanced AT-CTI curriculum at (any) institutions.
- Note: Air Traffic (AT) Basics Curriculum may be taught by an experienced air traffic controller or a faculty member with at least three (3) years of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Faculty requirements will be audited following program guidelines.
- Curriculum: Cover the learning objectives in the FAA AT Basics and Tower and/or En route IQ course, have a method to assess and update the course curriculum, and have a process to verify the effective and efficient presentation of course content. AT Basics, Tower IQ, and En route IQ objectives must be mapped to the aviation curriculum and clearly show where each objective is taught. Virtual courses are acceptable for the classroom curriculum. Simulations will not be conducted virtually. The current Academy curriculum will be provided.
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) will be signed between the institutions and the FAA to ensure the sanctity and security of the curriculum and evaluations.
- Technology: Operate and maintain high-fidelity ATC simulation equipment that meets FAA Academy Standards as described in the Resource and Participation Guide.
How to Apply
Enhanced AT-CTI Institutions must meet specific requirements and follow the below process prior to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FAA and becoming a Partner Institution.
Step One:
- Submit the AT-CTI Initial Application Form expressing your interest. This allows the AT-CTI Program Office the ability to verify the legitimacy of the school prior to providing guidance, requirements, curriculum and testing guides.
- The AT-CTI Program Office will provide a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for signature by the Institution.
Step Two:
- Upon return of the signed NDA, the AT-CTI Program Office will provide all necessary reference materials and application.
- The Institution will submit the application with all required documentation.
Step Three:
- The AT-CTI Program Office will review the application and returned documents.
- After the review is complete, an on-site evaluation will be scheduled as soon as feasible.
Once the Institution has successfully completed the application and on-site evaluation, the FAA will proceed with signing an MOU with the Institution.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need more information, please email the AT-CTI Program Office.
AT-CTI schools offer two- and four-year non-engineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in air traffic control and aviation administration. The AT-CTI program is designed to provide qualified candidates for developmental air traffic control specialist positions. The Standard AT-CTI Program graduates are eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, conducted at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and enter the Academy for option-specific initial training. Graduates from AT-CTI Institutions can apply for FAA Air Traffic Control Positions in a selected pool of applicants because of their AT-CTI-approved program training.
Institution Requirements
- Accreditation: Be a degree-granting, not-for-profit, two or four-year postsecondary educational school or institution with regional or equivalent national accreditation recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or equivalent certification body.
- Degree: Currently offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree. The FAA considers a degree viable only if it is active and students graduate with the degree. The FAA AT-CTI Program Office allows non-engineering aviation accredited degree programs to be considered for application under the FAA Standard AT-CTI. The accredited degree program must contain the FAA-required curriculum. This includes bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and undergraduate minors associated with a non-engineering aviation major course of study that meets the above mentioned provisions.
- Understanding of AT-CTI Program Participation Requirements: Be willing to complete the certification process and adhere to the program participation requirements.
Application Process
Standard AT-CTI Institutions must meet specific requirements and follow the below process prior to signing a partnership agreement with the FAA and becoming a Partner Institution.
Step One:
- Submit the AT-CTI Initial Application Form expressing your interest. This allows the AT-CTI Program Office the ability to verify the legitimacy of the school prior to providing guidance, requirements, curriculum and testing guides.
Step Two:
- The Institution will submit the application with all required documentation.
Step Three:
- The AT-CTI Program Office will review the application and returned documents.
Once the Institution has successfully completed the application, the FAA will proceed with scheduling a virtual interview with the Institution and signing a partnership agreement.
Standard | Enhanced | ||
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Institution Type |
Degree-granting, Two or Four-year Postsecondary Educational Institution |
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Not-for-profit |
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Public or Private |
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Accreditation |
Regional or national equivalent institutional accreditation by U.S. accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) |
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Be listed in the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. |
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Degree |
Currently offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree.
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The accredited degree program must contain the FAA-required curriculum.
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Faculty |
To Instruct AT Basics
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To Instruct Tower IQ and/or En route IQ
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CurriculumNote: Virtual courses are acceptable for the classroom curriculum. Simulations will not be conducted virtually. The current Academy curriculum will be provided. |
Cover the learning objectives in the FAA AT Basics and mapped to the curriculum. |
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Cover the learning objectives in the FAA Tower IQ and/or En route IQ and mapped to the curriculum. |
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Path to FAA Facility |
Proceed to FAA Academy after graduation for IQ training |
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Proceed to FAA facility after graduation | |||
Successfully complete the ATSA, security and medical requirements | |||
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) |
Will be signed between the institutions and the FAA to ensure the sanctity and security of the curriculum and evaluations. |
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Technology |
Operate and maintain high-fidelity ATC simulation equipment that meets FAA Academy Standards. |