Angelo State Earns FAA Recognition for Air Traffic Degree

SAN ANGELO, TX - Just three months after announcing the new Air Traffic Operations degree track in its commercial aviation program, Angelo State University has been designated an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) institution by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Angelo State is just the 26th institution in the U.S. to attain the AT-CTI designation and the only one in Texas. As a result, ASU students who earn a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation (B.C.A.) degree through the Air Traffic Operations track will be eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, which is the first five weeks of air traffic controller qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

Achieving the AT-CTI designation was a multi-step process that began in October 2024 with the goal of earning the designation by the fall of 2026, which has been exceeded by over a year.

"This designation provides a tremendous opportunity for our students," said Dr. Scott Turner, commercial aviation program director. "Our Air Traffic Operations graduates will now receive preferential consideration when applying to the FAA Academy. But this is more than just a milestone for the program; it's a notice to potential students and their families that ASU is recognized at the national level for meeting the FAA's standards in air traffic control education. This designation means our students are not only receiving top-tier training, but they're also positioned ahead of the curve when it comes to launching successful careers in aviation."

The lead instructor for the Air Traffic Operations track is Angelo State alumnus Mark Arzate. He graduated in 1998 through ASU's ROTC Det. 847 and then completed a distinguished U.S. Air Force career in air traffic control operations and airfield and airport management, logistics, administration, training and deployments, including overseas tours in support of U.S. combat units.

"We knew we needed an expert to help us stand up the new degree track, and Mark Arzate has proven to be that person," Turner said. "His knowledge and initiative have been instrumental at every step, and his contributions to the program cannot be overstated."

Earning the AT-CTI designation required a full investment by ASU's commercial aviation faculty to meet the FAA's rigorous standards for air traffic control training. Supporting that effort was the addition of specialized new simulators from industry-leading UFA Inc., which is recognized globally for its advancements in air traffic control simulation technology.

"I believe the effort we put in to obtain the AT-CTI status is a testament to our commitment to strategic planning, innovative thinking and delivering a best-possible Air Traffic Operations education," Turner said. "We are very excited for the fall and welcoming our first ATO students."

Achieving AT-CTI status marks a significant milestone, but looking to the future, ASU's Air Traffic Operations team is already pursuing the FAA's Enhanced AT-CTI designation, which would enable ASU graduates to completely bypass the FAA Academy and begin advanced training at an FAA facility. Only seven institutions in the U.S. currently hold the enhanced designation, and none are in Texas, making it a natural next step in ASU's mission to elevate student success and career readiness.

The recent addition of the Air Traffic Operations track and earning the AT-CTI designation are also prime examples of why securing funding to support hands-on learning and career preparation opportunities for students is one of the top priorities of ASU's ongoing "Leading the Charge" capital campaign heading into ASU's centennial celebration in 2028.

More details on the campaign and ways to contribute are available online at angelo.edu/leading-the-charge or by calling the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 325-942-2116.