Sacramento City College Joins FAA Enhanced Air Traffic Training Program

This article is based on an official press release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Sacramento City College Selected for Enhanced Air Traffic Training Program

On January 22, 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that Sacramento City College (SCC) has been designated as the first institution in California to join the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). This selection marks a significant shift in how the nation trains air traffic controllers, allowing qualified graduates from SCC to bypass the centralized FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City entirely.

According to the FAA announcement, SCC is only the 10th school nationwide to receive this “Enhanced” designation. The move is part of a broader federal strategy to modernize the National Airspace System and address persistent workforce shortages by decentralizing the training pipeline.

Accelerating the Pipeline: The Enhanced CTI Model

The Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI) differs substantially from the standard Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Under the standard model, graduates must still attend the FAA Academy for specialized training after completing their degree. The Enhanced program, however, authorizes accredited institutions to offer a curriculum that mirrors the FAA Academy’s own rigorous standards.

By meeting these requirements, SCC graduates who pass the necessary assessments, including the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) and medical and security clearances, can proceed directly to air traffic control facilities for on-the-job training. This effectively removes the bottleneck often created at the centralized academy in Oklahoma City.

Streamlining the Path to the Tower

Secretary Duffy emphasized that this initiative is designed to accelerate the hiring process without compromising safety. In the official release, the FAA noted that this partnership allows the agency to “move at the Speed of Trump” to upgrade the aviation system.

“This partnership is a critical step in bolstering our controller workforce while maintaining the highest training standards. By empowering institutions like Sacramento City College, we are opening new pathways for the next generation of aviation safety professionals.”

, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy

Addressing the National Controller Shortage

The designation of SCC comes at a time when the FAA is aggressively targeting workforce expansion. The agency’s Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan (2025–2028) outlines a goal to hire approximately 8,900 new controllers through 2028 to offset attrition caused by retirements and promotions.

According to FAA data released alongside the announcement:

• The agency exceeded its Fiscal Year 2025 hiring goal, onboarding 2,026 new controllers.
• The target for Fiscal Year 2026 is set at over 2,200 new hires.
• The hiring process has been streamlined from eight steps to five to reduce administrative delays.

To further attract talent, the Department of Transportation has implemented salary increases of approximately 30% for trainees, aiming to make the profession more competitive against the private sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of a California institution is strategically significant. Historically, the reliance on a single training academy in Oklahoma City has created logistical and throughput challenges for the FAA. By establishing an “Enhanced” training hub on the West Coast, the agency creates a regional pipeline capable of feeding major, complex airspaces like Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) more efficiently. We view this decentralization as a necessary evolution to meet the volume of hiring required over the next decade, provided that the decentralized programs can strictly maintain the standardization required for national airspace safety.

A Historic Aviation Program

Sacramento City College was selected based on its long-standing history in aviation education. The college’s aeronautics program was founded in 1932, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The department, led by Dean Paul Estabrook and Professor Dave Anderson, utilizes advanced simulation technology to replicate real-world air traffic scenarios.

Prior to this announcement, SCC offered an Associate of Science degree in Air Traffic Control. The new agreement upgrades this existing curriculum to meet the “Enhanced” criteria, ensuring students receive training equivalent to federal academy standards.

Sources:

• Federal Aviation Administration