Group photo of faculty in Aeronautics building
A side profile of a plane in the Aeronautics building

 

Shannon Millen has been appointed to spearhead the new Air Traffic Control (AT-CTI) Program at San Bernardino Valley College, marking a significant enhancement in the college’s offerings in aeronautics-related careers. This fall, SBVC introduced its inaugural course, "Introduction to Air Traffic Control," which complements the established Flight Operations and Management Degree program, a cornerstone of the college since 1949. This foundational course equips students with the academic credentials needed to qualify for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma.

Looking to the future, SBVC plans to broaden its offerings to include both a certificate and a degree in Air Traffic Control, creating a clear pathway for students pursuing careers in this critical field. The program will also integrate air traffic simulators, with the ambitious goal of achieving an "Enhanced" ATC FAA designation.

The program has received full recognition from the FAA as part of the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), positioning SBVC among a select group of approximately 30 colleges nationwide that offer such programs. A visit from FAA representatives was completed on August 15th to complete the final steps of the approval process.

This initiative highlights SBVC’s commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities in aviation, particularly in a rapidly growing career field. “The need for skilled air traffic controllers is growing, and SBVC aims to meet that demand,” Millen emphasized during her presentation to FAA representatives. With projections indicating an 80% increase in demand for enrollment in this area over the next five years, the expansion of the aeronautics program is timely and strategic.

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to embark on dynamic careers as air traffic controllers, aviation managers, and in other aviation-related professions, contributing to a vital sector of the economy. This initiative underscores SBVC's commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities in aviation, particularly in a career field that continues to grow in importance.