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FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI)

The FAA Collegiate Training initiative (CTI) was implemented in response to the FAA's projected future needs for air traffic controllers. Purdue University is one of 36 colleges that have been selected to participate in this unique program. The FAA implemented the first of these partnership agreements in October 1997. These colleges will serve as one of the primary hiring sources for FAA air traffic control specialists during the next ten years. Purdue University is designated as one of five colleges serving the FAA's Great Lakes region in this program.

 

Qualifications - To qualify for hiring by the FAA as an air traffic controller under the CTI program, it is necessary for potential students to:

• Complete a two or four year degree in Aviation Technology at Purdue University*
• Hold U.S. citizenship,
• Be less than 30 years of age at time of hiring by the FAA
• Successfully complete an FAA aptitude test (to be administered during the student's enrollment at Purdue University).
• Pass an FAA physical exam, drug test, and intensive security and background investigations.

 

*Students may add specified CTI courses to their program of study as follows:

*Indianapolis: AOT BS with Air Traffic Control focus area - add AT 28500, AT 36900, AT 47900.

*West Lafayette - 4-year BS in Aviation Management with Air Traffic Control focus area - all courses for CTI included.

*ALL locations: students must obtain a grade of "C" or better in all CTI courses to eligible for recommendation. Each students performance is individually reviewed the FAA-CTI representative at Purdue University. Completion of the CTI coursework does not guarantee recommendation.

 

CTI Plan of Study

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q . Is CTI a degree program?

A . No. The CTI program is a separate program. Aviation Technology (AT) uses courses normally taught to meet the CTI requirements. The FAA does require CTI candidates to have either an associate or baccalaureate degree although the CTI itself is not a degree program. Students can complete the degree requirements but not be recommended.

 

Q . How old can I be?

A . The FAA specifies that candidates must be less than 30 years old at the time of hiring. There have been no exceptions to this rule. Since 2002, the graduates have waited as long as three years to be hired due to budget issues within the FAA. Student who will graduate at the age of 27 or older should consider pursuing the CTI with caution. Purdue University has no influence on how long a candidate may wait before being hired.

 

Q . Can I get the CTI with a two-year degree?

A . Yes - under certain conditions. First, there is NO CTI degree, two-year or four-year. By taking certain courses, students can add the CTI endorsement to their AOT plan of study; note that the AOT program is a two-year degree completion program.  The West Lafayette campus does not offer this option.

 

Q . Do you offer a CTI-only specific program?

A . No. There are some schools approved to offer intensive CTI-specific programs. Purdue University is approved only to offer degree programs with a CTI option.

 

Q . If I am transferring to Purdue University, does the credit from my previously schooling count?

A . Maybe. First, Purdue University only examined credit obtained from a regionally accredited school. For example, Purdue University is regionally accredited by North Central Accreditation. The Aviation Technology department is also accredited by the Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA). While CAA accreditation is important, it is a program accreditation, not a regional accreditation. Only courses, with a grade of "C" or better, will be considered for transfer.

Incoming student transcripts are reviewed by Credit Evaluation at Purdue University. Courses eligible for transfer are identified and the student's program department receives a report. Each program then decides what credit, if any, to use in meeting current degree requirements. There is no guarantee that any transfer credit will be used, especially if the credit is more than 10 years old. Student often mistakenly believe that any courses taken elsewhere will transfer and will be used. No university has that blanket policy.

 

Q . How do I get into the program?

A . Apply as degree seeking student to either the Indianapolis or West Lafayette location. Your application will be considered the same as any student desiring to enroll in Aviation Technology. Once accepted, you will work with your academic advisor to schedule your courses in the correct order.

Students may take a very limited amount of coursework as a non-degree student while seeking admission. You will be enrolled in the appropriate freshmen level courses only. No CTI coursework may be taken unless you are admitted as a degree seeking student.

At Indianapolis, some students may be admitted as Pre-Tech. This allows students to address any weaknesses in academic preparation while being financial- aid eligible. No AT courses may be taken while in Pre-Tech status.

 

Purdue University - College of Technology, West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-4935, E-mail: choosetechnology@purdue.edu
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