Western Michigan University is one of only 36 schools in the country—the only one in Michigan—to participate with the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AC-CTI). The program allows Aviation majors to get a jump start on careers as Air Traffic Controllers.
Majors interested in the program must add specific elective courses to their degree program. WMU was selected to partner with the program in 2009.
Four recent Alumni of the College of Aviation (all graduated in June with Bachelor of Science degrees in Aviation Science and Administration) have the distinction of being the first from WMU to successfully complete Federal Aviation Administration requirements of the AT-CTI.
Once they have been 'officially graduated' by the FAA, the alumni will receive a code that will allow them to apply for Air Traffic Control jobs.
The Alumni are: Cameron McGillicuddy, Marco Morales, Nichole Treganowan, and Mark Ward. All four previously passed the FAA's pre-employment test and earned "well qualified" scores—the highest hiring eligibility status.
The FAA is able to closely predict the future need for Air Traffic Controllers, as all who hold the position are required to retire at age 56. The need has most recently been placed at 1,000 more controllers a year for the next decade.
But that doesn't mean the FAA will be opening up the program to more schools—they are not currently accepting applications from higher education institutions.
Additionally, the College of Aviation has received a lot of interest in the program. Three more students are expected to graduate who have already passed the FAA's pre-employment test with "well-qualified" scores.
To learn more, please follow the link below:
WMICH.EDU—COLLEGE OF AVIATION
WMICH.EDU—AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PROGRAM
WMU NEWS — 4 AVIATION GRADS FIRST TO QUALIFY UNDER NEW FAA PROGRAM