Building the Air Traffic Control Workforce of the Future

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeing unprecedented demand for its Air Traffic Management programme after becoming the first institutions authorised to train and assess future air traffic controllers to standards equivalent to those used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to programme coordinator Michael McCormick, the new pathway is helping graduates enter the workforce faster while supporting efforts to address a nationwide controller shortage.

Speaking with Halldale, McCormick, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management at Embry-Riddle, described how a recently introduced enhanced training model is changing the route into one of aviation's most demanding professions.

The programme forms part of the FAA's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, a partnership between the agency and selected universities designed to create a direct pathway into air traffic control careers. While traditional collegiate programmes have existed since the 1990s, the enhanced model allows approved institutions to deliver training and assessments that meet FAA Academy standards.

"The goal is to get more controllers into the system sooner," McCormick explained.

Under the traditional pathway, graduates must attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City before progressing to operational facilities. That process can be highly competitive and carries significant attrition rates. McCormick estimates that approximately 40% of trainees fail to complete the Academy programme successfully.

The enhanced model streamlines the process. Students who complete FAA-certified coursework and assessments at approved universities can move directly into operational assignments after graduation.

Embry-Riddle was the first universities approved for the programme and remains one of only a small number of institutions authorised to provide training for both tower and en-route centre operations.

Strong Early Results

Although still relatively new, the programme has already produced measurable outcomes.

According to McCormick, 18 students have completed Embry-Riddle's enhanced certification process. Fifteen have already been hired by the FAA, while the remaining three are completing administrative clearance requirements.

The impact on student demand has been equally significant.

"Our admissions have increased by 220% since implementing the enhanced programme," McCormick said.

Where annual cohorts previously attracted around 30 students, new intakes now regularly reach between 60 and 70 students. The university currently serves approximately 260 students across its Air Traffic Management major and minor programmes, with further growth expected over the next two academic years.

The university has also expanded access by introducing an associate degree pathway and making its Air Traffic Management minor eligible for the enhanced programme. This allows students pursuing other aviation disciplines, including professional flight training, to maintain a pathway into air traffic control careers.

Addressing a Long-Term Shortage

The programme's growth comes at a time when controller staffing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. aviation system.

According to McCormick, today's shortages stem from several factors, including the long-term effects of the 1981 air traffic controller strike, periodic government shutdowns that halted hiring and training, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It takes between two and five years to fully certify a controller," he said. "When you're unable to hire for an extended period, the effects compound very quickly."

Controller staffing is also affected by mandatory retirement rules. Controllers must retire during the month they turn 56, while new hires generally must enter the profession before age 31.

As a result, workforce planning requires a long-term perspective. The FAA is expected to continue hiring more than 2,000 controller candidates annually for several years to meet future staffing requirements and offset retirements.

Reducing Stress, Improving Success

McCormick believes one of the key advantages of the university-based model is the learning environment itself.

Rather than relocating to Oklahoma City for job-critical training, students complete their evaluations within a familiar academic setting, surrounded by established support networks.

"Students remain with the faculty they've worked with, their peers and their families," he said. "I believe that reduces stress significantly."

The enhanced programme also allows students to begin the FAA hiring process up to 12 months before graduation, helping to reduce delays between graduation and employment.

Historically, graduates could wait one to two years before entering the FAA workforce. The new pathway has the potential to shorten that timeline considerably.

Technology and Training Investment

Becoming an enhanced programme provider requires substantial investment.

Embry-Riddle purchased new simulation systems costing approximately US$1.2 million and expanded staffing to support programme delivery. The university also underwent extensive FAA audits and certification reviews covering curriculum, facilities, equipment and assessment processes.

The oversight remains rigorous. Participating institutions receive regular audits and engage with FAA officials through ongoing reviews and industry forums.

As a result, McCormick expects only a limited number of universities will pursue certification despite growing interest in the programme.

"It's a significant commitment," he said.

Looking Ahead

While the enhanced model currently focuses on tower and en-route operations, McCormick would like to see it expanded to include approach control training.

Embry-Riddle already possesses the simulation capability to deliver such training, and he believes additional certification options would provide greater flexibility for both students and employers.

For now, however, the programme's early results suggest that university-based training could become an increasingly important component of the FAA's workforce strategy.

As aviation demand continues to grow and experienced controllers retire, initiatives that accelerate training while maintaining standards are likely to play an important role in strengthening the future air traffic control workforce.