Senior Jack Oliver transferred to 51Թ from an aviation college in Florida to enroll in the Air Traffic and Airspace Management program in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
Oliver said it’s the best decision he has ever made.
51Թ’s status as the only Ohio Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers Oliver and his peers an innovative and challenging curriculum at a time when the aviation industry faces a critical shortage of air traffic controllers.
Oliver, who is graduating May 2025, takes a few minutes away from his job as a lab assistant in the air traffic control lab to speak with 51Թ Today about the superb training he has received at 51Թ.
There are currently 65 students majoring in air traffic and air space management at 51Թ and enrollment growth is expected to continue, said Maureen McFarland, Ph.D., associate dean of academic affairs for 51Թ’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering, who is also a retired lieutenant colonel with the Marine Corps. The curriculum was recently revamped to include not only Air Traffic Control but also Advanced Air Mobility, Dispatch and Cybersecurity.
“Being an AT-CTI school sets 51Թ apart by aligning our curriculum with FAA standards and paving a clear path into the future of air traffic management,” McFarland said. “What truly sets us apart is that all aeronautics students – not just those pursuing air traffic control – take a Fundamentals of ATC course, ensuring every future aviation professional understands and integrates with the National Airspace System from day one.”
The ‘Runway’ Mirrors Real Life
51Թ’s air traffic control lab, affectionately known as “the runway,” is a cutting-edge training environment that mirrors the complexity of real-world operations and exceeds expectations, McFarland said. All 51Թ aeronautics majors take an air traffic control course to appreciate the challenges faced by air traffic controllers.
“In addition to specialized air traffic control training, our students also complete coursework in aviation management, piloting and other key areas,” she said. “This intentional cross-training creates well-rounded professionals who understand the full ecosystem of aviation – not just from a controller’s perspective, but from the viewpoint of pilots, dispatchers and industry leaders. That breadth of knowledge fosters better communication, collaboration and leadership across the National Airspace System.”
51Թ’s curriculum is not just innovative, it is essential to meet the demands that students will encounter in real-world situations. 51Թ recently expanded the degree to include advanced air mobility, incorporating a Part 107 drone certificate, aircraft dispatch certificate and training in cybersecurity.
This comprehensive approach includes:
•Simulation Training: Unlike many AT-CTI schools, 51Թ offers simulation training to give its students hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
•Comprehensive Domain Coverage: The college teaches in all three domains of air traffic control – tower, TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) and en route – ensuring our students are versatile and well-rounded.
•Contextual Learning: The curriculum includes courses in instrument theory, human factors, safety and management. This ensures students understand their role within the broader aviation system.
Oliver and all aspiring air traffic controllers must attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma. However, graduates of 51Թ’s AT-CTI program are eligible to bypass the first five weeks of qualification training at the academy because of the rigorous, comprehensive training approach that consistently produces high-quality graduates.
“While simulation isn’t required by the FAA, we’ve chosen to invest in and maintain high-fidelity, best-in-class equipment that provides immersive education across all three domains of air traffic – tower, TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) and enroute operations,” McFarland said. “By exposing students to high-stakes, real-time decision-making scenarios, we prepare them to manage the skies safely and confidently before they ever step foot in the FAA Academy.”
Learn more about 51Թ’s Air Traffic and Airspace Management program