NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program recently helped prepare the first graduate in the nation to achieve Certified Professional Controller status under the Federal Aviation Administration’s accelerated training model, marking an early milestone in the federal government’s effort to address ongoing air traffic controller shortages.
The milestone comes as the FAA works to expand and strengthen its controller workforce nationwide. According to the FAA’s 2026-2028 Controller Workforce Plan, the agency hired 2,028 controller trainees in 2025 – the highest number since 2008. The FAA plans to increase hiring by nearly 20% over the next three years.
“The success of our program demonstrates the value of collegiate training in preparing students for the demands of air traffic control,” said Stephen West, director of Air Traffic Management for OU. “This pathway gives students the opportunity to transition more quickly into the workforce while meeting the FAA’s standards.”
Meanwhile, the FAA forecasts over 5,300 controllers will retire or leave the workforce in the next three years due to retirements, training attrition and other departures, showing the importance of expanding training options, West said.
“OU is helping the FAA meet their staffing targets by providing a new path of candidates who can proceed directly into facility training, within a matter of weeks after graduation,” he said.
The FAA approved OU’s enhanced program as part of a national effort to accelerate the training of qualified air traffic controllers. Traditionally, controller candidates must apply for an open announcement, take required screening tests, complete medical and security screenings, and attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City before reporting to an FAA facility. The process can take several months to years. Under the enhanced AT-CTI model, qualified candidates are screened while earning their degrees and graduates can bypass the academy and proceed directly to FAA facilities for on-the-job training.
The FAA continues to expand the program. As of May 2026, the agency had approved 14 Enhanced AT-CTI programs at 11 schools nationwide, with more programs under review.
OU was among the universities selected to participate in the program, which includes advanced simulator-based training and curriculum aligned with federal standards.
Learn more about the School of Aviation in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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