Air traffic control training approved for lift off at WMU

Western Michigan University is one of five new colleges and universities that will be part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), reports the aviation magazine Avstop.com.The story says the five schools were chosen from 21 institutions that submitted applications early last year. They were evaluated based on schools’ organizational foundations and resources, organization credibility, air traffic basic curriculum and facilities. Excerpt:CTI institutions are not given federal funds to teach air traffic control courses, however, the FAA does provide curriculum and instructor notes on air traffic basics. The institutions independently incorporate the material into their aviation programs.The AT-CTI curriculum provides appropriate education, experience, and training which meet the basic requirements for the terminal and en route air traffic occupations. As a result, AT-CTI graduates may be permitted to bypass the initial five-week air traffic basics training when they report to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. No jobs are promised to students, but from fiscal years 2005 until 2009 over 3,000, or 41 percent, of the air traffic controllers hired graduated from an AT-CTI school. To find out what other schools will offer the program, read the entire story.Source: Avstop.com