ISSUES
National Air Traffic Controllers Association | www.natca.org
NiW Today
35
12,234
Total Applicants
4,964 Took
ATSA Test
Approx. 2,033 Academy Graduates
8,322 Met Basic
Qualifications
Selected to attend
FAA Academy
1,001 CPC-IT
2,421
10,694
CPC
Track
2
Experienced
Controllers
Attrition
Attrition
2,529 Developmental Trainees
Approx.
200
of
the
408
applicants
will
be
placed
at
their
first
facility.
*In 2025, 173 developmental
trainees separated from FAA
after not completing training.
*In 2025, 728 CPCs left the air traffic controller position
because of retirement, resignation, removal, death, or
promotion/transfer out of ATC unit.
From Application to Certification
Very Few Applicants Become CPCs
* Hiring process numbers spanning Fiscal Year 2025
* Source: Fiscal Year 2025 data
E-CTI
Selections
In
2025,
there
were
39
E-CTI
applicants
selected
for
placement
at
their
first
facility.
ATSA: FAA's Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA),
an entry-level employment aptitude assessment
CPC: Certified Professional Controller
CPC-IT: Certified Professional Controller in Training
(fully certified elsewhere, transferred to a new facility
and began training there)
E-CTI: Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative
