Schools for Air Traffic Controllers
Although undoubtedly a stressful profession, a career in air traffic control is also a rewarding one. For citizens of the United States, the most common path to becoming an air traffic controller is attending an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, or AT-CIT program, authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration. Many colleges and universities across the United States air traffic controller programs..
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was founded in 1926 and is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is the world's largest accredited aviation university. It offers a bachelor's of science in Air Traffic Management, which is fully FAA approved. Practical education takes place on simulations at Embry-Riddle's Aviation Sciences Building complete with replica radar, research laboratory and a remote weather observation center allowing students to study meteorological data in real time. Modules on the course include survey of meteorology, principles of air traffic management and health and safety. Students of this program bypass the first five weeks of FAA Academy training.
Green River Community College
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Green River Community College is a community college in Auburn, Washington. As of the 2006 academic year, it had 9,212 students. It offers both a Certificate of Proficiency and an Associate Degree in Applied Science for Air Traffic Control. The Certificate of Proficiency is a 25-credit course for those with no previous experience in Air Traffic Control to get access to a further degree in the career. It looks at instruments, aviation weather and basic air traffic control. The associate degree is for those who have completed the Certificate of Proficiency or similar and have a GPA of at least 3.0. It contains modules on aerodynamics for pilots, stress management and flight deck technology.
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Hampton University
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Hampton University is a historically black university located in Hampton, Virginia. The university has its own Department of Aviation, which offers a major in Aviation Management-Air Traffic Control. Hampton is the only historically black university to be approved by the FAA for an AT-CTI program. Modules on the course include flight safety, tower operations and aviation management. Graduates of the program receive an additional bachelor's of science in Aviation Management. Some students in the program would be applicable for an Airport Minority Advisory Council scholarship. Ten of these scholarships are offered every year to students in the Southeast of the United States.
Purdue University
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Purdue University is in West Lafayette, Indiana, has offered an FAA Air Traffic Control CTI since 1997. The course confers a bachelor's of science which, after completion, will allow students to study at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Modules of the Purdue course include introduction to aviation, aircraft safety and weather. As the FAA does not usually hire people older than age 30, it is recommended that no students older than 27 apply for the BS in Air Traffic Control at Purdue University.
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