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• Aeronautical Technology
• Aviation Management

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• FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI)
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academics

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 23 colleges selected to participate in this unique program. The FAA implemented these partnership agreements in October 1997 and added nine more institutions in 2007. These colleges 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 new 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: 2-year AM-AS program, add AT 269, 281, 285, and 454 (AT 269 and 281 will NOT count towards a BS degree).

*Indianapolis: 4-year AM-BS with Air Traffic Control focus area - all courses for CTI included

*West Lafayette - 2-year AM-AS program, add AT 285, 369, and 479. Open ONLY to transfer students with a 4-year BS in aviation-related field.

*West Lafayette - 4-year AM-BS 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.

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. 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 3 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, 2-year or 4-year. By taking certain courses, a student can add the CTI recommendation to their Aviation Management plan of study.

In Indianapolis , students may enter as freshmen in the Aviation Management program. Students complete the two-year associate degree in AM and take some additional CTI-specific courses to qualify them for a potential CTI endorsement. Two of those courses, AT 269 and 281, may not be used as replacement for AT 369 and 479 should they chose to continue for the BS-AM degree. The extra CTI courses are taken IN ADDITION to the regular courses in the plan of study. It is NOT possible to complete the AS-AM degree with extra CTI coursework in the 64 credit hour AS degree. Note: this option is only available at the Indianapolis campus.

In West Lafayette , students who have transferred to Purdue University with a BS in an aviation-related field may complete a AS in Aviation Management and add the BS level CTI courses to their plan of study.

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 West Lafayette or Indianapolis locations in Aviation Management. 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.