Summer training aims to prevent learning loss in fast-paced program
This June, Nashua Community College debuted an Air Traffic Control (ATC) summer camp for current ATC associate degree students.
The program is meant to prevent learning loss and skill degradation over the summer months.
“The value of this summer camp lies in its ability to protect and sharpen our students’ hard-earned skills,” said Jeff Carpentier, Program Coordinator of Air Traffic Control at NCC. “Air Traffic Control leaves no room for downtime; this program keeps students actively engaged and prepared to hit the ground running next term.”
This ATC summer camp runs for 8 weeks between June and August. Program faculty at NCC developed the curriculum, much of which entails practice work on the ATC Tower Simulator equipment.
The camp received support from UFA, developer of simulation and speech recognition solutions for Air Traffic Control and airport operations and training.
“We are incredibly grateful for UFA’s multi-layered support of our camp,” said Professor Carpentier, “In addition to a generous monetary donation, they provided essential tabletop simulators to enhance our students’ training experience.”
UFA has supported NCC’s Air Traffic Control program from the very beginning, he said, “Between their top-tier technical support and the introduction of new learning products, they have been vital to our students’ success. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership well into the future.”
This summer also marks the first full year of the ATC associate degree at NCC, and so far, Professor Carpentier said it’s been “incredible.”
“The past year was full of energy, engagement, and breakthrough moments. As an instructor, there is nothing quite like the joy of watching students grow their knowledge and master these complex skills. The future looks even brighter: this fall, we are introducing another simulator to give everyone even more hands-on time to perfect their air traffic control skills. The program is thriving, and we can’t wait to watch our very first class walk across the graduation stage next May.”
ATC enrollment has been growing as well, said Carpentier, “We started with 17 fantastic students, and the program is only gaining altitude. With three students in our summer class, another joining our Spring ’26 cohort this fall, and a full incoming class of 12, our total ATC student community will grow to 32.”
About the Air Traffic Control associate degree at NCC:
The Associate Degree in Air Traffic Control at Nashua Community College delivers fundamental traffic controller knowledge and competency through a mix of realistic lab simulations, classroom instruction, and computer-based learning. As an ATC Tower program, graduates are ready to assume positions at Air Traffic Control towers throughout the USA. This program is a part of the FAA’s Enhance College Training Initiative, allowing students to complete their entire FAA ATC Academy course work at NCC.
For more information about Air Traffic Control at Nashua Community College, visit nashuacc.edu or contact Professor Carpentier at [email protected].