FAA Approves Middle Georgia State University for Controller Training

Middle Georgia State University will be joining the Federal Aviation Administration’s fight against the air traffic controller shortage through its collegiate training initiative program, known as AT-CTI. It joins six other educational institutions from across the US.

"We need more of the best and brightest in our towers to make our nation’s air traffic system the envy of the world," SecTrans Duffy noted. "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."

Instead of having to move to Oklahoma and complete ATC training at the FAA Academy, AT-CTI allows 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.

Several institutions were approved for 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 on May 30.

On July 2, Middle Georgia State University became the seventh AT-CTI member and the first from Georgia.

"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," stated University President Christopher Blake. "Our commitment to our core value of adaptability ensures our programs stay current with technological advances and industry changes, preparing graduates who can thrive in dynamic aviation environments."

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).

FMI: www.faa.gov