The Future of Air Traffic Control Starts Here

What began as a classroom assignment led Aiden to discover air traffic control, a job that combines technology, quick decision-making and public service. Aiden is now a graduate of the Aims Air Traffic Control program, entering a profession where qualified controllers are in greater demand than ever. 

As National Air Traffic Control Day approaches on July 6, Aims celebrates professionals who keep America's skies safe while preparing the next generation to join them. 

A Student Making College History

In May, Aiden Rowe graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Air Traffic Control. He became the first student to complete the FAA's Enhanced AT-CTI program at Aims. He also received the Spring 2026 President's Medallion, the highest student honor awarded by the college.

As a work-study student, Aiden became a mentor to fellow air traffic control students, helping them navigate the program while connecting Windsor Campus students with resources and activities across Aims."Being able to help pioneer this enhanced pathway for air traffic and the students that are coming after me has been beyond cup-filling for me," Aiden said. "I love being able to help others."

"Aims is not just another community college," Aiden said. "It provides an experience-rich educational opportunity. My time here has truly allowed me to see that people's dreams are more achievable than ever at a fraction of the cost, with no compromise to the education."

After graduation, Aiden began the onboarding process with the FAA. He looks forward to beginning his career as an air traffic controller. While Aiden hopes to build that career in Colorado, he is ready to go wherever the opportunity takes him.

Looking back on his journey, he offers encouragement to future students considering the profession. "There will be moments that you feel as though everything has gone wrong," Aiden said. "In said times, persevere, keep going and try your best. After the most turbulent of thunderstorms, rainbows undoubtedly appear."

A High-Demand Career with a Critical Mission

As air travel continues to grow, the FAA is working to fill thousands of controller positions nationwide, creating significant opportunities for students interested in aviation careers. "The FAA needs controllers," said Patti Phillips, lead faculty member for the Aims Air Traffic Control program and a retired air traffic controller with 30 years of experience. "There's a huge need and I'd really like to see more young people know about it."

Aims is helping address that need. In 2026, Aims became one of the first colleges in the nation approved by the FAA to offer both Tower and En Route training pathways through the Enhanced AT-CTI program. That designation creates a faster pathway into the profession. Qualified graduates can bypass the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and move directly into facility-specific training after being hired by the FAA.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Traffic Control combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience using industry-standard simulation technology that mirrors real FAA operations. "What we do here is the same thing that they do at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City," Phillips said.

Students train in immersive simulation environments that prepare them for the realities of the profession.

"The simulators that we have simulate an en route facility," Phillips said. "We also have the most beautiful tower simulator that I think has been built, which makes you feel like you're actually at an airport."

Along with mastering communication and aircraft separation procedures, students learn how to think critically under pressure. "We practice emergency situations," Phillips said. "Some of it can be very unpredictable and it takes a lot of training to prepare them for that."

One of the program's greatest strengths is its faculty. Students learn from experienced controllers who bring decades of real-world knowledge into every lesson. "It's an engaging program. It's a fun program," Phillips said. "Our instructors can share our own experiences and let students know what to actually expect once they get out there."

With small class sizes, personalized instruction and state-of-the-art technology, Aims prepares graduates for careers with the FAA, contract control towers and other aviation organizations while developing the technical knowledge, communication skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Learn more about the Air Traffic Control program at Aims by visiting aims.co/air-traffic-control.