Air Traffic Control, A.A.S.

If you aspire to a career as an Air Traffic Controller, directing aircraft safely into and out of the nation’s airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program at TCC is a great place to start.

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Air Traffic Control, approved by the FAA in 2009, includes training in the application of tower and terminal radar approach control procedures. TCC’s curriculum uses high-fidelity control tower and radar approach simulation created by Adacel, a leading developer of operational air traffic management systems. Earning the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Air Traffic Control provides graduates with the skills and training necessary to be successful at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

According to the FAA, 10,000 new air traffic controllers will be hired over the next 10 years. The FAA requires job applicants to be under the age of 31 at the time of FAA employment as a controller. It is recommended that you start the Air Traffic program by the age of 27.

Program Requirements

You must meet certain requirements to advance through the program and be recommended for the FAA Academy. You must make a minimum grade of a “C” or better within the specialized course requirements prior to being awarded permission in the next sequential specialized course. However, graduate students must maintain a 3.0-grade point average or higher within the specialized courses as well as have graduated from TCC with their earned degree in ATC in order to be recommended to the FAA Academy. Completion of this program does not guarantee admission to the FAA Academy. And admission to Tulsa Community College does not guarantee admittance into the Air Traffic Control Program.

Enrollment Procedures

Here are the procedures for enrolling in TCC’s Aviation courses

1. All prospective air traffic control students must meet with the TCC aviation counselor at the TCC Riverside Community Campus and Aviation Center
2. Potential air traffic control students must provide the following documents to the aviation counselor:
   a. Proof of U.S. citizenship in form of:
   i. An original birth certificate with raised seal documenting birth in the United States or one of its territories;
   ii. A valid, unexpired United States passport;
   iii. An original U.S. Naturalization Certificate with raised seal, Form N-550 or Form N-570;
   iv. An original certification of birth abroad, Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350; or
   v. An original Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561
   b. Valid Class II FAA Medical with an audiogram

FAA Requirements

The FAA requires individuals interested in becoming an Air Traffic Controller to meet the following:

• Be a United States citizen
• Not have reached age 31 at the time of FAA employment
• Pass an FAA Class II medical for Air Traffic Controllers
• Pass a security investigation
• Have three years of progressively responsible work experience, or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals three years.
• Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests
• Speak English clearly enough for others to understand you on communication equipment
• Complete an interview

This degree option is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Air Traffic Control. All aviation courses require permission from the aviation counselor and/or ATC Coordinator.

Degree Requirements

Program Map