Take your first steps as an air traffic controller from air traffic controller school

Air traffic controllers do so much work behind the scenes to run airplane operations smoothly and keep passengers safe. Did you know they have to go to a special school before they wear those cool headsets and give directions to pilots? As a Flight Operation Officer, I have had the privilege to work closely with air traffic control professionals and witness firsthand their dedication and expertise. The foundation they get from their air traffic controller school aids them so much in excelling in this demanding field. So, in this article, let’s explore what it takes to get into an air traffic controller school, how much it costs, and the different paths you can take to become a controller.

Journey through the air traffic controller school

So, you want to be an air traffic controller? Then, let’s first see how you can get started.

Step 1: College

Most air traffic controllers start with college. They can get either a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many controllers I know even take air traffic controller school online to fit their studies around their lives. They have a serious dedication to their career.

Step 2: FAA Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)

Most air traffic controllers I’ve worked with are Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) employees. They have a special program called AT-CTI. Here, you can get trained to become a controller. You can find these AT-CTI programs at colleges and universities all over the US. Want a list? Checkout the FAA website.

Step 3: Meet the air traffic controller school requirements

There are a few things you absolutely need to be an air traffic controller.

• Be a US Citizen
• Speak English clearly
• Be under 31 (with some exceptions)
• Have at least 3 years of work experience or a 4-year degree (or a combination of both)
• Pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA)

Step 4: FAA Academy

If you make it through all that, you get to go to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for official air traffic controller training. After the Academy, you’ll get placed in a radar facility or an airport tower. They put you wherever they need you most in the US.  Be ready to relocate anywhere in the US. It is all part of the adventure.

Launching your career in the skies

The next important step in your journey to becoming an air traffic controller is choosing the right air traffic controller school. Consider the time commitment you can give, what type of air traffic controller degree you want, the cost, and what kind of hands-on experience the program offers you when choosing a school.

In the US, many colleges, universities, and technical schools offer FAA-approved programs to train air traffic controllers. Some of my fellow air traffic controllers have attended schools like Hampton University, Broward College, Miami Dade College, Lewis University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. You can choose two main paths for your air traffic control education,

Associate of Applied Science in ATC

This 2-2.5 year program focuses on the core skills you’ll need on the job. You’ll learn to navigate planes, understand weather patterns, and use flight simulators. Some schools even offer real-world experience working in an air traffic control center.

Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management

This 4-year program dives deeper into the aviation world. You’ll get all the same core skills as the associate’s degree, but you’ll also learn more about the business side of things, like how airlines operate and the history of aviation. That’s not all; many programs also have internships, so you can put your learning into practice. Let’s look at what schools offer air traffic controller degree next.

Associate’s Degrees

• Hampton University – With their online program, you can learn from anywhere while earning an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Aviation Management with a focus on Air Traffic Control.
• Sacramento City College – You can earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree specifically in Air Traffic Control at this community college.
• Community College of Baltimore County – This program awards you an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Air Traffic Control.

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Lewis University – You can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Air Traffic Control Management here.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Heard about this aviation school already? They offer a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Air Traffic Management.
• Thomas Edison State University – You can earn a BS in Applied Science and Technology (BSAT) with a concentration in Air Traffic Control here.

What is the best school for air traffic controller? 

There isn’t a single best school for air traffic controller training. It is because the best option depends on you. Here’s how,

Your needs & preferences

Some people go with a quick 2-year Associate’s degree. But others might want a broader education with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in aviation. Maybe you learn best online or in a traditional classroom setting.

What makes a great school?

 

• FAA approval (AT-CTI)—Whatever ATC program you choose must have this. This means the program meets the government’s standards for training air traffic controllers.
• Industry connections—Schools with strong connections to airlines and air traffic control agencies can be a big help after graduation because they might be able to connect you with job opportunities.
• Broader education – Some schools offer degrees in aviation or related fields, along with air traffic control training.
• Hands-on experience – Some ATC schools offer flight simulators and real-world training environments.

No matter which path you choose, you’ll learn all the essentials like

• basics of aviation
• aerodynamics
• meteorology
• aviation history
• aviation regulations
• airline operations
• flight safety
• radar operations
• airline management

Most schools even have flight and control tower computer simulation labs. So you can practice your skills before the real thing.

Are there online courses available?

Yes, you can find online courses to get started on your path. These courses mix classroom-style learning with hands-on exercises and simulations to familiarize you with the job’s complexities.

Most air traffic controller training programs, like the FAA’s AT-CTI, are hybrids. So, some classes are online, but for others, you need to be there in person.

What can you learn online?

• Introductory air traffic control
• How to investigate accidents
• Aviation law
• General knowledge of aviation
• Understanding weather patterns in flight

There are even free online certificate courses available. You can try out them and see if air traffic control is right for you.

The financial side of becoming an air traffic controller

How expensive is air traffic control school? Well, there is no straight answer for how much your air traffic controller school cost. It can change based on which ATC school you choose to attend and your program. Let’s look at some things that can affect the cost.

Tuition & fees

This is the biggest cost. As mentioned before it can change depending on your school and program. Some schools offer 2-year associate’s degrees, while others offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees. Generally, when you are in the school longer it will cost more.

Residency fees

State colleges commonly charge non-residents 100% or more than residents. So, you should carefully analyze these costs.

Extra fees

On top of tuition, you might have to pay additional fees for things like flight labs, flight licenses (if your program wants them), simulator time, textbooks, and even housing if you live on campus. Some programs might even require you to save a certain amount of money before you can participate in flight training activities.

So, as you can see, the total estimated air traffic controller school cost can change based on your residency status, school, and program. For example, in 2024, the average in-state tuition and fees for a 2-year Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) associate’s degree was $10,951 for state residents and $35,082 for out-of-state students. And that doesn’t even include all the extra fees. So, do your research and compare the costs of different programs before you pick a school.

Do you need schooling to be an air traffic controller?

It is true that you can become an air traffic controller through on-the-job training. However, formal education from an accredited school still offers a big advantage. How?

• Schools give you a deep understanding of the air traffic control world. This strong foundation is very important. It can make you a more effective controller in the future.
• Formal education also prepares you for the FAA’s certification tests and makes you a more attractive candidate for air traffic control jobs.

Conclusion

Air traffic controllers have a very important job. They keep airplanes safe and on schedule in the sky. Because of this big responsibility, they need to get the right training to do their jobs well in air traffic controller schools. In this article, we discussed how an accredited air traffic controller school will not only teach you everything you need to know with quality education and training. If you are considering a career in this field, I hope my insights have given you a clearer picture of what to expect.