Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, announced the improvement of the air transportation system after the previous Democratic administration had largely neglected it
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The United States Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, announced the expansion of the number of educational institutions eligible to participate in the accelerated air traffic controller training program as part of President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to address the nationwide shortage of personnel in air traffic control towers.
Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)faces a shortage of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers across the country, which has raised concerns following several incidents in control towers and recent aviation accidents.
To address this crisis, the Department of Transportation is expanding the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, which allows selected institutions to provide the same training offered at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City.
El secretario de Transporte anunció oficialmente la medida
Thanks to this program, students can be trained directly at their educational institutions and, once they complete the course, move directly to work at an FAA facility without having to attend the traditional Academy.
In August, Nashua Community College became the fifth institution added to the program in 2025, joining:
University of North Dakota
SUNY Schenectady County Community College
Vaughn College
Middle Georgia State College (Eastman campus)
Duffy celebrated the announcement by stating:
''Under President Trump's leadership, we are addressing the shortage of air traffic controllers step by step. This new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract top talent to staff our control towers. To all young Americans interested in this exciting career: your work will make flying safer and more efficient than ever before''.
Duffy destacó la gran labor de Trump en la gestión del tráfico aéreo
The first universities joined the program in 2024, after the FAA opened the application process in April and selected the first schools in October of that year. Among the pioneering institutions are:
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Tulsa Community College
University of Oklahoma
Students in the Enhanced AT-CTI program must meet the same standards as those who follow the traditional path, including passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam, as well as meeting the medical and security requirements established by the FAA.
In addition to the AT-CTI program, the Department of Transportation has also launched a new initiative that provides financial incentives to graduates and new hires who reach key training milestones, as well as to those who accept positions at understaffed facilities, which are often more difficult to fill.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the strategic importance of these measures:
''Investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers is essential to maintaining the safety and efficiency of our national airspace. By expanding training opportunities through these programs, we are not only meeting current needs, but we are also building a resilient workforce for the challenges of the future''.
El director de la FAA también señaló la importancia de la estrategia de Trump en el transporte aéreo
