Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative
What is Enhanced AT-CTI?
The Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) was created to allow qualified institutions to provide their students with equivalent air traffic control training as the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
Enhanced AT-CTI students who pass their final assessments receive an official FAA endorsement certificate. These graduates can then apply to become a controller and be placed directly in an FAA facility to begin training.
Comparison of training pathways, institution standards, simulator requirements, and graduate employment procedures between the Standard and Enhanced AT-CTI.
Institution Requirements
Institutions must meet several specific guidelines to be considered for the Enhanced AT-CTI program:
Institution TypeMust be a degree-granting, not-for-profit, two- or four-year postsecondary educational institution (public or private).
AccreditationMust possess regional or national equivalent institutional accreditation 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 OfferingsMust currently offer at least one active non-engineering aviation degree (bachelor's, associate's, one-year certificate, or undergraduate minor). The accredited degree program must integrate the FAA-required curriculum.
Initiative ParticipationInstitutions must complete the review process and adhere to the requirements outlined in the Resource and Participation Guide.
Faculty Qualifications- Instructors teaching Initial Qualification (IQ) Academy curriculum must have a minimum of three (3) years of fully credentialed experience as an FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC), a military controller with FAA credentials, an ICAO air traffic controller, or a Control Tower Operator (CTO).
- Air Traffic (AT) Basics 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.
CurriculumMust cover all learning objectives in the FAA AT Basics and Tower and/or En route IQ course. Classroom curriculum can be taught virtually, but simulations must not be conducted virtually.
TechnologyMust operate and maintain high-fidelity ATC simulation equipment that meets strict FAA Academy Standards.
How to Apply
Institutions must successfully complete the following process before signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FAA to become an official Partner Institution:
Step One
Submit the AT-CTI Initial Application Form to express interest. This allows the program office to verify the institution's legitimacy. Following verification, the FAA will provide a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
Initial Intake & NDA IssuanceStep Two
Upon returning the signed NDA, the institution receives all necessary reference materials, curriculum/testing guides, and the formal application. The institution then submits the completed application alongside all required documentation.
Curriculum & Dossier SubmissionStep Three
The AT-CTI Program Office reviews the submission. After a successful review, an on-site evaluation is scheduled. Upon passing the on-site evaluation, the FAA and the institution will sign the final MOU.
On-Site Audit & Final AgreementFor further questions, institutions can email the Enhanced AT-CTI Program Office directly.