Program Description
Tulsa Community College offers an Air Traffic Control (ATC) program with the FAA’s Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-ECTI) designation, formally recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was the first program in the nation to receive this distinction, underscoring its compliance with national training standards and its effectiveness in preparing qualified candidates for careers within the National Airspace System.
TCC’s Air Traffic Control program provides a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical coursework with hands-on simulation training. Students receive comprehensive instruction in tower operations and terminal radar approach control procedures using Adacel’s high-fidelity simulation technology, which replicates real-world operating conditions. Training emphasizes communication, airspace management, separation standards, radar operations, and emergency response.
The primary objective of the AT-ECTI program is to prepare students for FAA employment by qualifying them to take the FAA written and practical assessments. To be eligible for direct hire employment with the FAA, students must graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Air Traffic Control and earn a passing score of 70 or higher on both the final FAA written and practical examinations. Direct hire graduates may be placed directly into FAA-operated air traffic control towers without first attending the FAA Air Traffic Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, though they remain eligible for additional training at the Academy.
Program Length and Structure
The program can be completed in two years and requires a total of 60 credit hours. Air Traffic Control courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters and must be completed in the prescribed sequence listed on the program map. Students interested in part time enrollment may schedule general education courses in fall, spring, summer, and intersession parts of term. The program operates on a cohort model, with a new group of 28 students beginning the program in the following fall semester.
Admission Requirements
The Air Traffic Control program is a selective admission program. Prospective students can obtain the application by emailing aviationcenter@tulsacc.edu. Admission to Tulsa Community College does not guarantee acceptance into the Air Traffic Control program. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or placement in a cohort. Acceptance into the ATC program is competitive and applications are accepted annually from the first Monday in September through the last Monday in February for entry into the following Fall semester which begins in August. Admitted students will be notified in the spring semester and are encouraged to enroll for fall classes during TCC’s open enrollment period which begins in April of each year. Admitted students who have not enrolled in all first semester ATC courses by May 31st will be removed from the admitted list and transitioned to the program’s waitlist. We encourage prospective students to communicate regularly with their assigned TCC advisor for information regarding New Student Orientation and enrollment procedures to meet the program’s enrollment deadline.
Progression Standards
Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher in all specialized Air Traffic Control courses to progress through the program.
FAA Employment Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for employment as an FAA Air Traffic Controller, students must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be under the age of 31 at the time of employment consideration.
- Note: Applications from students who turn 29 on or after May 1 prior to the first semester of the program will not be considered for the enhanced tower program but may still qualify for employment at a contract tower facility.
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pass a security investigation, conducted after the first year of the program.
- Pass FAA pre-employment testing, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA), administered in the first spring semester of the program.
- Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment.
- Have one year of progressively responsible work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience totaling one year.
Medical Requirements for FAA Employment
Air Traffic Controller candidates must meet FAA medical standards to be considered for employment. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate prior to entry into the program and must complete the certification no later than the end of their first year. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to perform essential job functions safely. Health standards include vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric requirements.
Careers
Schedule an appointment with TCC Career Services to learn more about our free career planning and job preparation services.
Degree Requirements
View a semester-by-semester course plan of study on the Air Traffic Control AAS Program Map
