Aviation and Aerospace Sciences: Air Traffic Control

The Air Traffic Control program at Orange Coast College prepares students for exciting and high-responsibility careers in aviation safety and airspace management. This two-year program follows Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) standards, combining classroom instruction with hands-on radar and tower simulations that mirror real-world air traffic operations. Students learn FAA procedures, communication protocols, radar identification, vectoring, and conflict-resolution techniques, gaining the knowledge and situational awareness essential for controlling an aircraft safely and efficiently. The curriculum integrates FAA Air Traffic Basics (Course 50110) and FAA Orders JO 7110.65 and JO 7210.3, ensuring graduates are well prepared for FAA Academy training or careers in aviation operations, flight dispatch, or airport management. Emphasizing professionalism, teamwork, and safety culture, the program provides an inclusive, affordable pathway into the national aviation workforce. Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree in Air Traffic Control (ATC) and are positioned to continue into FAA, military, or private-sector ATC training environments that sustain the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry.

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The Air Traffic Control program at Orange Coast College prepares students for careers in the dynamic and high-demand field of air traffic management. Designed to mirror the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) standards, the program combines academic instruction with hands-on laboratory simulation to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism required for entry into FAA Academy training and related aviation operations roles.

The program’s primary goal is to develop a skilled, safety-minded workforce capable of managing air traffic operations in compliance with FAA standards and procedures. Through coursework aligned with FAA Air Traffic Basics (Course 50110) and FAA Orders JO 7110.65, JO 7210.3, and JO 7360.1, students gain experience in both tower and radar environments, learning to apply precise communication, critical thinking, and situational awareness to real-world aviation scenarios.

A key objective of the program is to equip students with practical competencies in tower sequencing, radar vectoring, conflict resolution, and emergency response which are all within a simulated operational setting that replicates the duties of air traffic controllers in Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC). The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to safety culture, ensuring graduates are well prepared for the demands of FAA or industry training environments.

In addition to technical mastery, the program strives to expand access and inclusion within the aviation workforce by offering a community-college pathway into one of the nation’s most specialized federal careers. Students completing the two-year program will have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Air Traffic Control and, upon meeting academic and performance criteria, may receive an institutional recommendation to the FAA under AT-CTI partnership guidelines.

Ultimately, the Air Traffic Control Program at Orange Coast College exists to inspire, educate, and launch the next generation of professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of America’s airspace which will advance both the college’s mission of workforce excellence and the FAA’s commitment to safe, seamless national air traffic operations.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Careers
Air Traffic Controller (ATC) – Tower, TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control), or ARTCC (En-Route Center)
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Trainee) – FAA Academy candidate through AT-CTI recommendation

Air Traffic Support Specialist – Operations support for FAA facilities and data analysis

 Airspace Systems Specialist – Airspace design, procedure development, and performance analysis
Quality Assurance Specialist – Oversight of ATC operations, safety compliance, and training standards
Airport and Airline Operations
Airport Operations Specialist – Monitor airport safety, ramp control, and daily airfield activity
Aircraft Dispatcher (Part 121/135) – Authorize and monitor flight operations for airlines and charter companies
Aviation Safety Coordinator – Support SMS (Safety Management System) programs and FAA reporting
Airline Operations Controller – Coordinate aircraft scheduling, routing, and turnaround management
Ramp or Gate Coordinator – Manage aircraft ground movement, fueling, and dispatch logistics

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) Program at Orange Coast College directly supports the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and career-focused education that prepares students for workforce success and lifelong learning.

As part of the Aviation Science, the program expands OCC’s aviation curriculum by introducing a new pathway in air traffic management, complementing existing degrees in Pilot Training and Aircraft Maintenance. The curriculum follows FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) standards and integrates FAA Air Traffic Basics and FAA Orders JO 7110.65 and JO 7210.3, ensuring students receive both academic and technical preparation consistent with national training standards.

The program aligns with the California Higher Education Master Plan by promoting access, equity, and workforce readiness in a high-demand federal career field. It strengthens OCC’s role as a regional hub for aviation and aerospace workforce development, supports transfer and employment pathways, and advances California’s statewide goals for innovation, inclusion, and high-skill career education.

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Aviation Science - Mt. San Antonio College

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