Date of Award

5-1-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Aviation

Abstract

This research project studied the tools and requirements of the Air Traffic –Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) schools and how they affect the outcome of training at the FAA Academy, the first assigned facility and second facility prior to certification. The Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) has been in place for over 25 years, training college students to get a recommendation to apply for a Federal Air Traffic Controller career. From 2014-2016, the hiring practices changed from a three-track method to a two-track method which took away the AT-CTI hiring path and combined it with applicants who had no experience. The AT-CTI graduates are hired with only a small advantage over those who apply under a general public vacancy, who have no knowledge of air traffic control procedures. A successful AT-CTI program will provide a higher level of success and cost savings to the FAA/taxpayers. This study surveyed participants who attended CTI schools and how the training they received affected their training success at the FAA Academy, first facility, and second facility. The variables which were studied included, the type of courses, labs, training tools, pilot certificates, and instrument ratings. Using binary logistic regression and chi square tests, measures of significance were identified at each stage of training to determine the best methods of instruction/tools that CTI schools should be using to ensure their graduates future success. Applicants that have had tower courses, tower labs and tower simulation tended to have more success at the FAA Academy. Those applicants with flight training also had more success with training; they were 8.7 times more likely to be successful at the FAA Academy. Statistical testing showed no significance was found in any other phase of training; however, the results do indicate interesting changes from one stage to another. If the FAA would be able to better leverage the CTI program to predict if an applicant will be successful based on the training they received, the FAA could see a cost savings.

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