A Texas university has partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help students skip the FAA Academy and apply directly for air traffic control jobs, amid a nationwide staffing shortage.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced in late May that Angelo State University in West Texas became the 12th college to offer the Enhanced Air-Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, or E-CTI.
“Thanks to President Trump, we are unlocking new ways to achieve the American Dream,” said Duffy. “I’m thrilled our collegiate level air traffic controller training program is expanding to one of our nation’s largest states so we can reach more students, fast track careers in aviation, and deliver the world-class air traffic control system the American people deserve.”
The move comes as the FAA continues to face hiring shortages, an increasing number of commercial flights, and delays in onboarding new controllers.
Although the FAA has seen an increase in applicants—with more than 200,000 individuals applying over the last several years—the administration remains understaffed, leading many to question whether the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure can keep up with growing travel needs and demand.
Students who complete the E-CTI program can apply to become air traffic controllers and skip the FAA Academy entirely, allowing them to move directly into on-site training.
Students who complete the program at Angelo State will still be required to pass final performance and written assessments to obtain certification. After passing the initial round of tests, students must also pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment and meet medical and security requirements. Those who successfully pass all requirements can then apply to become for placement at an FAA air traffic control tower.
“To keep our skies safe, we must ensure air traffic controllers have the proper training and tools, given the more than 45,000 flights under ATC supervision each day,” said Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz. “I commend the FAA for growing the enhanced air traffic collegiate training initiative with the addition of Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. This partnership – the first of its kind in Texas – will help streamline the high-caliber education and technical development of these controllers, equipping the FAA with as many talented individuals as possible,”
Alongside Angelo State’s E-CTI program, Tarrant County College (TCC) in Fort Worth announced last month that it plans to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in air traffic control. According to TCC, the program could launch as early as 2027, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Southern Association of Colleges, and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“Through an Enhanced AT-CTI Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Aviation Administration, students would receive FAA Academy-equivalent training and maybe could bypass the FAA’s initial Air Traffic Basics course, accelerating their entry into the hiring pipeline,” the college said in a press release.
While students are able to bypass the basics course, they would still be required to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
The new programs have FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford optimistic about the future of aviation safety.
“We’re laser-focused on filling our FAA facilities with the best and brightest controllers,” said Bedford. “Expanding opportunities, like this one in Texas, help us strengthen our workforce and continue to protect the safety of the American travelling public.”
