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Amid the nationwide shortage of FAA controllers and as the nation grapples with an increasing number of aviation incidents, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to include SUNY Schenectady’s Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program in its Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Schumer said this partnership will boost air traffic control education and training to support aspiring air traffic controllers in Upstate NY and make our skies safer, creating a pipeline of local students to enter this high paying career and address the nationwide shortage.
“As Americans across the country grapple with more and more aviation incidents, we need to take action to ensure the FAA has the resources it needs to keep our skies safe. SUNY Schenectady’s air traffic controller training program is uniquely qualified and ready to create a local pipeline of students to enter this high-paying career, it just needs the final approval from FAA. I’m urging the FAA to work with SUNY Schenectady to make this happen ASAP and give America the talent it needs to address the national air traffic controller shortage,” said Senator Schumer. “SUNY Schenectady’s top-notch program is nationally recognized as a leader for aviation science. The FAA can help the next generation of air traffic controllers’ right here in the Capital Region, and I am fighting to get the final approval to make it happen.”
Dr. Steady Moono, SUNY Schenectady President, said, “SUNY Schenectady continues to be at the forefront of aviation training in the region. We have invested in the future, to provide our students with the largest and most comprehensive Air Traffic Control simulator at a community college east of the Mississippi. We are honored to stand with Senator Schumer in addressing the urgent need for skilled air traffic controllers across the nation. SUNY Schenectady is prepared and eager to be part of the solution through the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative. With our proven track record in aviation education and commitment to student success, we are ready to equip the next generation of air traffic professionals with the training, discipline, and excellence that this critical role demands.”
“We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his continued support of SUNY Schenectady and his commitment to addressing the national shortage of air traffic controllers,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “SUNY Schenectady’s Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control Program provides students with practical, skills-focused training that supports our regional workforce and responds to the needs of today’s economy. A partnership with the FAA would expand opportunities for students while also helping to strengthen aviation safety nationwide.”
Air traffic controllers across the country have been warning about low staffing levels for years. As of September 2023, according to CNN, only about 70% of FAA staffing targets were filled by fully certified controllers, with some major airports at less than 60%. Schumer said boosting SUNY Schenectady’s Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program is key to supporting aspiring air traffic controllers and keeping our skies safe.
SUNY Schenectady runs a successful curriculum for its Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program to train air traffic controllers, including a state-of-the-art simulator that only exists in one other place. The program, which is run at the Schenectady County airport and SUNY Schenectady’s main campus, recently completed a new Center for Aviation Sciences building and is a leader for aviation safety education. SUNY Schenectady has been working with the FAA for over a year to be admitted into the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program, which provides new training at eligible colleges to deliver new air traffic controllers to the workforce faster and address the national shortages. SUNY Schenectady is at one of the final steps for FAA’s requirements and are about to host FAA for a site visit.
Schumer’s letter to Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau can be found below:
Dear Administrator Rocheleau:
I am writing to express my strong support for the inclusion of SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.
As the nation grapples with an increasing number of near-misses and tragic aviation incidents, the urgency of investing in the next generation of highly trained, competent air traffic controllers has never been greater. The aviation system is already under unprecedented stress — from soaring flight volumes to a wave of retirements within the controller workforce. These challenges demand not only swift action but also a broader and more expansive approach to air traffic control education and training.
SUNY Schenectady has its Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree program that is recognized across the SUNY System, New York state and our nation. This program carries an excellent reputation for training the next generation of pilots and air traffic controllers. This well-established program is based at SUNY Schenectady’s main campus and the Schenectady County airport, which is also home to the 109th Air National Guard unit that flies LC-130 ski birds to polar regions in support of missions led by both the Department of Defense and National Science Foundation.
SUNY Schenectady has recently completed a new $5 million Center for Aviation Sciences building and earlier this year installed new state-of-the-art simulators to enhance its already robust air traffic controller program. In February of 2024, SUNY Schenectady was named, among only nine other community colleges in the country, a Leader College by Achieving The Dream (ATD), a national non-profit dedicated to advancing community colleges as hubs of equity and economic mobility in their communities.
The recent air tragedies have underscored how important it is to increase ATC training and hiring, and SUNY Schenectady is well-positioned to help meet this urgent national need. More trained controllers make for safer skies, more efficient airports, and higher confidence by the flying public. I applaud SUNY Schenectady’s foresight in submitting this application and sincerely hope it is met with your approval. Please do not hesitate to contact my Washington DC office at (202) 224-6542. Thank you for your consideration.