Air Traffic Control, A.A.

What is Air Traffic Control?

Get a Master's in Air Traffic Control

The Air Traffic Control A.A.

Air traffic control (ATC) is the direction and monitoring of aircraft in flight and on the ground to prevent collisions and to ensure safety and efficiency.

Air traffic controllers sequence aircraft for takeoff and landing and provide direction throughout each flight to control air traffic. Using radar, radio communication and other technology, they provide pilots directions and guidance related to weather conditions, aircraft nearby, runway conditions and other factors.

Every day, millions of air travelers depend on air traffic controllers to ensure they safely reach their destinations. With a degree in air traffic control from Florida Tech, you can be well on your way to serving in this essential role.

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Best National University
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AT-CTI

Approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative School
Federal Aviation Administration

No. 1

Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Get
with an Associate Degree
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Why Choose Florida Tech for Air Traffic Control?

As one of the best universities for aviation and an approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school, Florida Tech prepares you for success. The associate degree in air traffic control is a broad-based aviation degree that gives you the skills you need for your air traffic control career, including air traffic management, radar operations and specialized air traffic control communication.

The Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program is a partnership between selected colleges and universities and the FAA. As an approved AT-CTI school, we provide students access to training materials, facilities and certified ATC instructors, ensuring a high-quality program and compliance with FAA standards and criteria.

When you earn your A.A. in air traffic control at Florida Tech, you are eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, which is usually covered during the first five weeks of qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Students must successfully complete all required training at the FAA Academy to continue employment with the FAA.

Our cutting-edge technology and facilities make Florida Tech one of the best places for an air traffic control degree. From air traffic control simulators to electronic flight planning in airline operations, you will get a wide range of experience with real-world applications before stepping into your new role in the aviation industry.

Our 130-acre campus is located in a high-tech corridor on Florida’s Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and many high-tech corporations and government and military organizations are located nearby. Students interested in aviation especially appreciate that Melbourne is home to an international commercial airport that is just a 10-minute drive from campus.

When it’s time to relax, Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean, with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches; minutes from the Indian River Lagoon, the most biodiverse estuary in North America; and a short trip to the Florida Keys and the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs and social activities.

Studying air traffic control at Florida Tech means gaining a well-rounded knowledge of aviation and the pilot environment from experienced pilots. You will develop an understanding of the demands placed on the pilot’s attention in the cockpit, why sequences of events may occur and how best to help the pilot. This understanding will be of tremendous benefit in your work as an air traffic controller.

Air traffic control is a rewarding career and can be highly competitive. Completing a CTI-approved curriculum and earning your degree will help you stand out.

The FAA acknowledges the high level of education provided by CTI schools and may grant graduates accelerated pathways to employment, potentially decreasing the time it takes to enter the field. Employers may favor graduates of AT-CTI schools because of their specific training and preparedness, enhancing their chances of finding work as air traffic controllers.

An air traffic control degree from Florida Tech can add long-term value in positioning you for career growth and success. Employers will know you have developed valuable and transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and research.

Careers in Air Traffic Control

A career as an air traffic controller is challenging and rewarding. Controllers are paid well and receive excellent benefits, with retirement by age 57.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides specific job information, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook. The handbook has information on related aviation management careers, including airport terminal controller, airport manager and coordinator, airfield operation specialist, aviation support manager and more.

Advanced Degree Options

For those wanting to move into management positions in the air traffic control field, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in aviation or business may be required.

The air traffic control A.A. is the perfect preparation for a career in air traffic control and a great foundation for future education, should you so choose. Many of the courses you will take as an air traffic control student are part of our bachelor’s degree programs, as well.

Explore the Air Traffic Control, A.A., Curriculum

The Air Traffic Control, A.A., Curriculum

From the intricacies of the National Airspace System to the effects of weather on flight plans, you will gain air traffic control knowledge and skills right from the start. You will delve into air safety, physical sciences and more, and you'll get hands-on experience through air traffic control courses and training labs.

Air traffic simulators are a highlight of our air traffic control classes. Imagine you are playing a video game in which you must guide multiple characters through a maze: They can follow each other but can never touch, or it’s game over! You will experience a high-intensity, hands-on, 3D environment as you practice getting aircraft to their destinations.

During your two-year degree program, in addition to air traffic control courses, you can expect to take courses like:

Aviation Meteorology
Aviation Safety
Introduction to Aviation Psychology

Courses in communication, humanities, math and computer applications round out your degree.

Your final air traffic control course serves as a capstone experience. You will review all FAA air traffic control behavioral objectives and academic standards for initial Qualification Training – Air Traffic Basics and take a comprehensive air traffic basics test.

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Air Traffic Control, A.A., Curriculum now!

Plan Your Route to Becoming an Air Traffic Controller

1. Education and Application to the FAA

Florida Tech's AT-CTI program fulfills basic educational criteria. To become an air traffic controller, you must have the required minimum work experience, college education or a mix of the two.

The FAA solicits applications for air traffic control trainee jobs from time to time. Applicants for these roles must meet specific age*, citizenship and education requirements, as well as pass medical and background investigations.

*Must be hired by 31 years old; 35 years old for experienced controllers.

2. Selection for the FAA Academy

If selected by the FAA, candidates must pass the Air Traffic Skills Aptitude (ATSA) exam. Mathematics, logic, spatial thinking and situational awareness are among the cognitive skills assessed on the exam.

Those who pass the ATSA and medical and security screenings may be chosen to attend training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for classroom instruction, simulator exercises and on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced controllers.

Successful completion of training at the FAA Academy is required to continue.

3. On-the-Job Training

New air traffic controllers are often assigned to air traffic control facilities, such as airport towers, radar sites or en-route centers.

Training and supervision continue as they gain experience and expertise. To become fully qualified, air traffic controllers must meet all FAA standards and pass a series of examinations, which include knowledge tests, practical assessments and performance reviews.

Air traffic controllers receive frequent training throughout their careers to keep their abilities and certifications current.

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Learn more about Air Traffic Control at Florida Tech on the website.

Elevate Your Network

As an on-campus student at Florida Tech, you can create personal and professional connections by participating in student organizations. Here are a few of special interest to air traffic control students:

Collegiate Aviation Business Executives (CABE) hosts speakers and facilitates activities, such as airport tours, seminars and networking opportunities.
Women in Aviation Space Coast Florida Tech chapter, a group of female and male aviation enthusiasts, brings in aviation professionals to speak and organizes aviation-related events, such as field trips to airshows and even air traffic control facilities!
Alpha Eta Rho (AHP), a professional collegiate aviation co-ed fraternity, brings together students with a common interest in aviation. Founded in 1929, it's the oldest aviation organization on college campuses today.

These organizations and other campus activities provide great opportunities to network with industry professionals and learn from the success of Florida Tech aviation alumni.

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