FAA Approves Nashua Community College for Controller Training Initiative

On August 11, a New Hampshire community college became the fifth school to join the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) in 2025. This marks the state’s first program to be approved for the curriculum.

Instead of having to move to Oklahoma and complete ATC training at the FAA Academy, Enhanced AT-CTI programs allow students to work through the three-month course from home with their local professors. After graduation, qualified students could be placed straight into FAA facilities or apply to work in Federal Contract Towers.

“Investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers is critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of our national airspace,” explained FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “By expanding training opportunities through these programs, we’re not only meeting today’s staffing needs—we’re building a resilient workforce ready to handle the challenges of tomorrow.”

Several institutions were approved for Enhanced AT-CTI throughout late 2024 and early 2025, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tulsa Community College, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of North Dakota. Vaughn College was the fifth addition to the program and the first in the Northeast, earning certification on April 9, followed by SUNY Schenectady County Community College and Middle Georgia State University.

AT-CTI is just one of many ways the Transportation Department is working to ‘supercharge’ hiring of air traffic controllers and provide relief to the 3,000-personnel shortage. By opening financial incentives and increasing accessibility to training, more than 8,320 candidates have already been referred to the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA).

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re solving the air traffic controller shortage one step at a time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Our new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract the best and brightest to fill our air traffic control towers. To all the young Americans considering a career in this exciting field – your work will make flying safer and more efficient than ever.”

FMI: https://nashuacc.edu