New CTO-P designation from FAA offers additional aviation education pathway
This January, the FAA designated Nashua Community College as a new partner for its Control Tower Operator Partnership (CTO-P) program. The CTO Partnership Program is a college-based Air Traffic Controller training program for Contracted towers.
“This program is designed to establish and maintain standards for training programs for students to be eligible to work at a Contract tower – versus an FAA-run tower,” said Professor Doug Mitchell, NCC Aviation Department Chair.
The program provides foundational air traffic control knowledge and initial qualification training to individuals with no prior ATC experience. “The goal is to prepare candidates for the written and practical examinations required under 14 CFR Part 65*, enabling them to qualify as air traffic control operators and obtain a facility rating at a contractor run tower,” said Professor Mitchell.
While most of the program is identical to the FAA controller program, there are a couple differences.
“The CTO-P program takes away the age limitation and ATSA test requirement for students not looking for employment with the FAA. This would give them the opportunity to be hired by federal contract towers after passing the course and a control tower operator exam”
The CTO-P designation provides one more avenue for students interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry.
Students in the Air Traffic Control E-CTI (Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative) program must graduate by age 31 and receive a qualifying score on the rigorous ATSA exam to be eligible for FAA work, but as Air Traffic Control Program Coordinator Jeff Carpentier said, “This gives students in the E-CTI course an off-ramp as well.”
“We are honored that the FAA has selected Nashua Community College as a new partner for its Control Tower Operator Partnership program,” said President James Keane of NCC. “This designation reflects our long-standing commitment to aviation excellence and our dedication to preparing students for high‑skill, high‑demand careers. Together with the FAA, we look forward to opening new pathways for our students and strengthening the future of America’s air traffic workforce.”
For more information about Air Traffic Control at Nashua Community College, visit nashuacc.edu or contact Professor Carpentier at [email protected].
* 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 65 is the FAA regulation which manages how Aviation Maintenance technicians get licenses. Part 65 also covers Air Traffic Control Tower Operators certification