Middle Georgia State University to join enhanced air traffic controller training program

MACON, Ga. (WRBL) — The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed an agreement with Middle Georgia State University to join an enhanced air traffic controller initiative.

The enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) will help increase the amount of students get into air traffic facilities and be on the job faster.

“We need more of the best and brightest in our towers to make our nation’s air traffic system the envy of the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Enhanced AT-CTI programs like the one at Middle Georgia State University are key to building a next-generation workforce, reducing delays, unlocking the future of aviation.”

The FAA has authorized eight programs at several schools to provide the same advanced curriculum that students would obtain at the FAA’s academy in Oklahoma City.

“As Georgia’s flagship aviation school, we take seriously the responsibility of equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed for safe and efficient air travel,” said Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University. 

This is the first program authorized in Georgia. This comes during a nationwide shortage of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers.

Secretary Duffy also announced a package to boost the controller workforce, including financial incentives for graduates and new hires for completing initial training milestones, and those who are assigned to hard-to-staff facilities.