FAA: You can bypass ATC academy if you're from these programs

[ArrowFlyer86]

Any of our ATC folk, FAA guys, Oklahoma pilots familiar with these programs? I know controllers have been slammed for a while, so opening doors through new channels to get people into the career could be a good move. Wondering how long/rigorous the programs are?
Another hiring trick I wish they would use is doing away with whatever that requirement is that you have to be ATC by a certain age to qualify for a position (I think it's related to retirement age IIRC? Could be wrong).

Article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/02/business/college-grads-air-traffic-controller-jobs/index.html

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[Velocity173]

CTI programs have been around for probably 20 yrs. Yes they skip the academy but depending on the facility, they may be sent to OK City for a course. Such as my brother, he had ATC experience from the Air Force but his facility sent him to the academy for the TRACON course. Basically an abbreviated academy for him.

It is a 30 yr old restriction. In the past military retired had waiver on that but not sure if still in effect. My brother got a waiver coming from AFSS.

 

[Zeldman]

I have a recurring nightmare where I am being forced to be come a controller.

 

[ArrowFlyer86]

I have a recurring nightmare where I am being forced to be come a controller.

I actually wish they'd open that job up for folks in their 30's and 40's.
I'm not sure I'd want to do an aggressive career pursuing Chicago approach control or something, but if they were hiring for my local tower(s), I could get pretty excited about getting the schooling necessary for that work
Alas, not even 40 yet and I'm too old!

 

[SoonerAviator]

Well heck, if being a graduate of Univ of Oklahoma is the only hurdle I've got that covered, lol. Being just over 40 is going to be a bigger problem though.

 

[mandm]

I actually wish they'd open that job up for folks in their 30's and 40's.
I'm not sure I'd want to do an aggressive career pursuing Chicago approach control or something, but if they were hiring for my local tower(s), I could get pretty excited about getting the schooling necessary for that work
Alas, not even 40 yet and I'm too old!

Exactly what I was thinking. I’m not a fan of age discriminated jobs. I wouldn’t mind doing it part-time and CFI as well.