Enhanced curriculum allows students to complete 100% of training in New Hampshire
Nashua Community College has reached an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to offer advanced training as part of the Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative.
The FAA has authorized 9 programs so far to provide the same curriculum and training as the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. This is the first program in New Hampshire.
“The Enhanced AT-CTI framework aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for impactful careers, and we’re especially enthusiastic about the increased collaboration, updated curriculum guidance, and direct engagement opportunities this program provides,” said James Keane, President of Nashua Community College.
“We look forward to working closely with the FAA AT-CTI Program Office and contributing meaningfully to the success of this important initiative.”
Governor Kelly Ayotte released a statement about the new enhanced training: “Expanding opportunities in high-demand fields is essential to ensuring New Hampshire has a dependable pipeline of talent. This partnership with Nashua Community College will help build the workforce of tomorrow right here in the Granite State, while opening new doors for students to pursue rewarding careers that keep our state strong and our nation safe.”
The Air Traffic Control degree is a day program. Training will primarily be on campus, but will include field trips to area Air Traffic Control facilities.
Dept. Chairperson Professor Doug Mitchell encouraged applicants to be aware of the FAA standards for new hires. “You have to be younger than 31 by completion of the program, you have to be a U.S. citizen, fluent in English, and there’s going to be medical clearance, drug testing, and background checks; all required before they are hired.”
“To enroll in the program, there’s also an air traffic skills assessment test, and this score is part of the package that will go to the FAA – and if they don’t score high enough, they won’t be looked at by the FAA,” said Mitchell, adding this is why program instructors have students take the assessment early. Students who fail can take the test after one year, and they can take it twice while in the program.
To learn more, visit the program webpage, or contact Donna Lisa Sanchez at [email protected] to apply.
Interested in aviation education? NCC also has Aviation Technology associate degree and certificate options for students interested in aircraft maintenance, and an associate degree in Aviation Management available 100% online.
NCC’s aviation programs maintain a space at the Nashua Airport, which is currently used by Aviation Technology students for training to prepare for their careers in aircraft maintenance.