Industry Insights

Air Traffic Control Hiring Window Now Open

October 18, 2024

It’s a great time to be an air traffic controller.

With the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) hiring window currently open, individuals have until November 4, 2024, to apply to be part of the agency’s next class of air traffic controllers. 

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in the safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System (NAS) by meticulously directing plane traffic from takeoff, to cruise, to landing. 

“I worked as an air traffic controller for more than 20 years. It’s a rewarding career, and we’re in high demand for qualified individuals looking to join the field,” said Paul Rinaldi, former president of the National Air Traffic Controller’s Association (NATCA).

The FAA recently signed agreements with Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma to revive the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) – a program that allows collegiate institutions to provide students with the same thorough curriculum and advanced technology offered at the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy at Oklahoma City.

The CTI program will expand the training capacity for the FAA, allowing more controllers to advance to on-the-job training following graduation. This will help the FAA as they work to solve the current air traffic controller shortage.

To learn more about becoming an air traffic controller and how to apply, click here.