The new Associate of Science in Air Traffic Management program — set to debut in August 2025 — has been approved to be part of the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Controller Training Initiative (AT-CTI).
ATC
Questions from the Cockpit: When ATC goes dark
David, an airplane owner in Iowa, writes: Given the recent reported radio outage at Newark, I’m sure we could all use a refresher and perspective on lost comms. It’s one thing to have an on-board failure, but seems much different if ATC goes down, especially in busy airspace. It would be great to hear and learn about scenarios that appear more likely than we thought.
ATC overhaul plan unveiled
According to DOT Secretary Sean P. Duffy, under the plan the FAA will replace core infrastructure including radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications networks.
Incentives unveiled to boost ATC workforce
The agency is offering incentives to keep experienced controllers on the job, while new hiring continues with a focus on veteran military controllers.
Partnership launches to train air traffic controllers
Serco Inc., which operates 28 air traffic control towers in the United States, has partnered with Middle Georgia State University to offer training to future air traffic controllers.
FAA hiring supercharge hits targets
FAA officials reported March 21, 2025, that the agency “has already qualified and referred more than 8,320 candidates to the aptitude exam, known as the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA). More than 190 candidates have already passed the ATSA and moved into the hiring process.”
Here we go…again
The FAA opens a new remote tower facility in Atlantic City, but we’ve been down this path before.
ATC hiring supercharged
“The FAA is opening its hiring window to become an air traffic controller for the best and brightest in our country from Thursday, Feb. 27 to March 17, and we are making it more efficient than ever to apply and more affordable to begin training,” FAA officials said.
Just 50 instances
In 2023, pilots in 50 instances misunderstood “Line Up and Wait” instructions, highlighting a decades-old debate about the clarity of aviation phraseology and its impact on safety.