Air Traffic Control Education and Training Key Terms

Fly high in your air traffic control education and training by learning key terms

By Harrison Howe

If you're thinking of entering the field of air traffic control, you'll need to pursue the necessary air traffic control education and training. To that end, it might be beneficial to learn air traffic control education and training key terms, such as specific air traffic control schools, programs and training options. From understanding the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative to knowing what a simulator is and why it's used in air traffic control training, you'll find learning some key terms can get your education and training off in the right direction.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) can be an important tool in your air traffic control education and training. This organization can help those seeking to become air traffic controllers find schools, explain requirements and provide other necessary information.
Try: Go to the Career page at the website of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to find links to accredited schools, requirements and a thorough explanation of the education and training process.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established the FAA Academy, which provides training for all aspects of the aviation industry, including pilots, flight attendants and air traffic controllers. Classroom training and simulations are used to provide air traffic control training.
Try: Find a brief description of the FAA Academy and the training it provides air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration website.

Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)

The Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) is a program in which the FAA partners with a college or technical institute to create an educational environment for those seeking to become air traffic controllers. A CTI establishes courses used in tandem with a college's degree program.
Try: Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology explains how the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative works with college programs to form educational programs for air traffic controller students.

Simulator

Most air traffic controller programs include training on simulators. Simulations of air traffic control towers, radar and other equipment is essential to the proper education and training of air traffic control students.
Try: Find a description of a few types of simulators used in air traffic controller training at Pan Am International Flight Academy.

Enroute System

The FAA employs the use of an Enroute System to track flights above 15,000 feet. Enroute System software provides information to 20 air traffic control centers across the U.S.
Try: Computer Sciences Corporation offers a detailed explanation of the FAA Enroute System.

Terminal controller

The other option many air traffic controller trainees take is to become a terminal controller. Terminal controllers control flights in and around an airport.
Try: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics supplies a description of what terminal controllers do.