Abstract

Each day, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control specialists (ATCSs) handle over 44,000 flights and oversee 29 million square miles of the United States National Airspace System. However, staffing shortages have grown more acute over the past 10 years, which has led to delayed and cancelled flights, a higher number of close misses over a short period of time, and frustrating air travel experiences. While the FAA has redoubled its efforts to recruit more ATCSs, it has limited training capacity. To expand training options available to prospective ATCSs, the FAA is working with postsecondary educational institutions to expand its Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). Graduates of Standard and Enhanced AT-CTI programs can accelerate their training. Currently, no postsecondary institution in Kentucky has a Standard or Enhanced AT-CTI program. Pursuant to Senate Bill 87 (AN ACT relating to aviation), which was signed into law in 2025, this report evaluates postsecondary institutions across the state to identify good candidates to establish an Enhanced AT-CTI program. Based on discussions with industry stakeholders, reviews of FAA materials, and assessments of course offerings and degree programs, researchers concluded that Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is the only public postsecondary institution in the state with the capacity to establish and maintain an FAA-approved air traffic control program. In early 2025, EKU’s School of Aviation submitted an initial application to the FAA to establish an Enhanced AT-CTI program.

Report Date

10-2025

Report Number

KTC-26-12

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2026.12

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