The Federal Aviation Administration has partnered with numerous universities and colleges to offer air traffic controller school. These universities and colleges offer 2 and 4 year non-engineering aviation degrees with fundamental courses in air traffic control. The program is called the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative or the AT-CTI program. Qualified applicants are given the opportunity to fill developmental air traffic control positions through this program. For those interested in how to become and air traffic controller the AT-CTI program may be exactly where you want to start your journey to becoming an air traffic controller.

Those who complete the AT-CTI program are qualified to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course. This means you can bypass the first 5 weeks of the qualification curriculum at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Academy in Oklahoma City. The Academy curriculum is made up option-specific (en route and terminal) initial training. In order to continue employment with the FAA a student is required to successfully pass all of the required training.

The length of the Academy training is based on whether or not you are going for the terminal option or en route option. Terminal training takes 37 days, and en route takes 62 days.

• Graduate from an Federal Aviation Administration approved AT-CTI training program
• Receive an official recommendation from the school
• Must be a United States citizen
• In most instance have not reached the age of 31 years
• Must pass a medical examination
• Must pass a security clearance background check
• Must achieve a score of at least 70 on the Federal Aviation Administration pre-employment test
• Speak English clearly enough for others to understand you on communications equipment
• Must complete and pass an interview

Air Traffic Controller School FAQs

Are their many approved schools?

There are a number of schools across that country that have approved programs.

Does the Federal Aviation Administration provide financial assistance?

The Federal Aviation Administration does not provide tuition assistance for this program. You may however contact the AT-CTI school you wish to attend to see if they have a program that can assist you financially.

How long will I stay in the AT-CTI inventory?

You will be inventoried for a minimum of 3 years after you graduate from the program. Your initial eligibility is 3 years from the date of your graduation or from your 31st birthday, if sooner. Each year after this period you can remain inventoried if you apply for an extension each year. After your initial years you can apply for a one year extension. You must can apply for this extension before the expiration of your eligibility period or within 60 days following expiration. You can continue to apply for extensions until you reach the age of 31 years. To request extensions please contact the Aviation Careers Division to request.

What if I don’t have a recommendation?

If you do not have a recommendation your name will be taken off the AT-CTI inventory list. A recommendation from the program lets the FAA know that you have completed all the training up to satisfactory requirements, and that you are a solid candidate for employment with the FAA.

Does the FAA guarantee employment after graduation?

No. It is the hopes of the Federal Aviation Administration to employ all graduates but it is not guaranteed.

For more information regarding air traffic controller school (AT-CTI Program) you can contact:

AMH-300
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Phone: (405) 954-4657
Fax: (405) 954-8531
Email: 9-AMC-AMH-CTI@faa.gov