What Is Air Traffic Control?
Air traffic control (ATC) is the system by which trained professionals (air traffic controllers) guide and manage aircraft movements in the sky and on the runways. Their responsibilities include:
Ensuring safe separation between aircraft (horizontal, vertical, and time separation)
Sequencing takeoffs and landings
Managing aircraft transitions through controlled airspace
Handling emergencies, diversions, and reroutes
Coordinating with adjacent control centers, airports, and pilots
Controllers operate in different settings: airport control towers (local), terminal radar approach control (TRACON), and en route centers (over longer routes). Their job demands concentration, fast decision-making, excellent situational awareness, and strong communication skills.
How to Start Your Journey in Air Traffic Control
Here’s a typical pathway (US-based) to becoming an air traffic controller:
Meet basic eligibility requirements
U.S. citizenship (in many cases)
Meeting age limits (e.g. applying before age 31 for first appointment with FAA)
Passing medical and security clearances
Education or training background
While a four-year degree is not always mandatory, many candidates study aviation, aeronautical science, engineering, physics, or related technical fields
Ideally, attend an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program to prepare for the FAA Academy and the ATC role
Apply through the FAA (or your country’s aviation authority)
In the U.S., FAA conducts periodic hiring campaigns, aptitude testing (Air Traffic Skills Assessment, ATSA), candidate screening, and interviews
Accepted candidates go to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for foundational training
Attend FAA Academy & field training
At the Academy: classroom instruction, simulation labs, initial qualification training
After the Academy: assigned to an operational facility (tower/TRACON/en route) and undergo on-the-job training under supervision
Certification & progression
As you meet performance benchmarks, you become certified for the specific facility
With experience, you can move to higher-complexity facilities or into supervisory roles
Top Air Traffic Control Schools in the Country and How to Get Involved
These institutions are part of the FAA’s AT-CTI or related programs. Each offers aviation/ATC-oriented curriculum, often including simulation labs, internships, and industry relationships. Below are some of the top ones, with expanded details:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL & Prescott, AZ)
Embry-Riddle is widely regarded as one of the premier aviation universities. Its Aviation Business, Air Traffic Management, and Aerospace Science programs prepare students with strong foundational knowledge in navigation, meteorology, human factors, communications, and systems. The school invests heavily in simulation labs and maintains connections to FAA, airlines, and aerospace firms, giving students opportunities for internships, co-ops, and exposure to real-world ATC systems.Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at Purdue offers a degree track in Air Traffic Management. Students there work with radar and tower simulators, learn procedural and technical aspects of control, and have access to research projects in aviation systems. Purdue’s reputation in engineering and industry ties can help graduates transition into leadership roles in aviation.University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND)
UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the U.S. Its ATC program integrates radar and tower simulators, hands-on lab training, and ties with the FAA and commercial aviation. UND often facilitates internships and job placements through its industry network, helping students transition directly into the FAA or airlines.Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN)
MTSU offers a Professional Pilot and Aviation Systems undergraduate degree and has coursework specific to air traffic control. The program includes high-fidelity ATC simulators and encourages student participation in research and professional development. Its proximity to the Nashville metropolitan airspace gives students potential exposure to more complex traffic environments.Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology (Queens, NY)
Vaughn is located within the New York City airspace region, giving students edge exposure to one of the busiest and most demanding corridors of aviation. The ATC program emphasizes operational decision-making in dense traffic conditions. Vaughn also focuses on diversity and support services, helping students from various backgrounds succeed in this demanding career path.
Tip for getting involved: reach out to the aviation or aeronautics department of these schools, ask about their AT-CTI or ATC-specialized courses, visit their simulation labs, talk with current students or faculty, and inquire about internships or mentoring programs.
The “Supercharge” ATC Recruitment Program Launched by Secretary Duffy
In 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at dramatically increasing the number of qualified air traffic controllers and retaining experienced personnel. This “supercharge” package includes several key components to address staffing shortfalls in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO):
Key Elements of the Program
Streamlined hiring process
The FAA reduced its eight-step hiring process to five steps, thereby cutting months from the hiring timeline. Department of Transportation+2Federal Aviation Administration+2
Medical and security clearances, historically bottlenecks, are receiving additional resourcing and prioritization. Department of Transportation+1
Financial incentives and bonuses
A $5,000 award for academy graduates who complete their initial qualification training (IQT) successfully. Department of Transportation
Another $5,000 for new hires (non-Academy) who also complete their IQT. Department of Transportation
A $10,000 bonus for graduates who accept assignment at “hard-to-staff” facilities. Department of Transportation+1
For controllers eligible for retirement (but still under mandatory retirement age), retention incentives such as a lump sum payment of 20% of basic pay per year of continued service. Department of Transportation
Retention efforts for experienced controllers
To discourage attrition, the program offers incentives to keep seasoned controllers from retiring prematurely. Department of Transportation+1
The FAA and controller union (NATCA) worked to align incentives with safety and operational goals. Department of Transportation+1
Expansion of training capacity and resources
Creation of a Learning Center at the FAA Academy (Oklahoma City) to support trainees with additional resources and remediation. Department of Transportation
Increase in number of instructors and teaching assistants to handle the surge in trainees. Department of Transportation
Upgrades to simulators and adoption of more innovative training tech (apps, modular training tools). Department of Transportation
Enhanced AT-CTI / E-CTI expansion
Under this initiative, more colleges and community colleges can become Enhanced AT-CTI (E-CTI)schools, allowing graduates to move directly into facility training rather than go through the introductory Air Traffic Basics Course. Department of Transportation+2Federal Aviation Administration+2
For instance, Nashua Community College (in New Hampshire) was recently authorized to join the E-CTI program under this expansion. Department of Transportation+1
Ambitious hiring goals
The program aims to bring in 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028, including over 2,200 in FY 2026. Federal Aviation Administration+1
In FY 2025, under the new process, the FAA exceeded its initial target: 2,026 new controllers were hired, surpassing a goal of 2,000. Federal Aviation Administration+1
Implications & Opportunities for Aspiring Controllers
Faster pathway: With hiring and clearance delays reduced, candidates may see shorter lead time between application and Academy entry.
Greater financial support: The bonus structure rewards high performers and assignments in challenging locations.
More institutional partnerships: More E-CTI schools means broader geographical access for students who want to leverage local colleges.
Incentives for retention: For those considering staying longer in the profession, retention bonuses may encourage experienced controllers not to exit prematurely.
Increased competition: Because of incentives and publicity, applicant pools may become more competitive—but higher rewards also mean more at stake for motivated candidates.
Final Thoughts
The sky may feel boundless, but the work of air traffic controllers is precision, discipline, and responsibility. For those who seek a career at the intersection of aviation, operations, and human decision-making, ATC offers a high-stakes, high-impact opportunity.
With the launch of the “supercharge” program by Secretary Duffy, the door is opening wider: hiring is accelerating, training pipelines are expanding, and incentives are being introduced to both attract new talent and retain experienced controllers. For a motivated candidate, now might These activities won’t qualify you for an ATC role yet, but they will put you ahead when it’s time to apply to college or FAA programs.
