TEXAS — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has partnered with Angelo State University (ASU) to implement an air traffic controller training program, according to an FAA press release.
The Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative comes amid a national shortage of air traffic controllers. All across the Lone Star State, the shortage has impacted airports through flight delays and cancellations.
A spokesperson for ASU said the college is the 12th institution in the U.S. and the only one in Texas to attain the Enhanced AT-CTI designation.
“We’re extremely excited about the future of our air traffic program and the multiple opportunities available for our students,” said Mark Arzate, lead air traffic operations instructor, in a press release.
The university said ASU students who earn a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degree through the Air Traffic Operations track will be able to skip the FAA Academy and begin training as an air traffic control specialist at an FAA air traffic control tower.
“To keep our skies safe, we must ensure air traffic controllers have the proper training and tools, given the more than 45,000 flights under ATC supervision each day,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in an FAA press release. “I commend the FAA for growing the enhanced air traffic collegiate training initiative with the addition of Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.”