A Control Tower Operator (CTO) is a professional responsible for managing air traffic within the vicinity of an airport and controlling the movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers.  The authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.  CTOs play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within airport airspace and on the ground.  They coordinate the takeoff, landing, and taxiing of aircraft to prevent collisions and manage air traffic flow.

A CTI (Collegiate Training Initiative) program is a degree program at a 2 or 4 year college or university that agrees to teach a course titled Air Traffic Control Basics in its curriculum. This is accomplished by adding the lesson objectives to various academic courses taught at that institution. Students must also complete general education requirements such as English, math, science, etc.

The CTO (Control Tower Operator) certificate program focuses on the technical skills training. Advanced ATC teaches the Air Traffic Control Basics objectives the FAA requires of CTI programs as well, but we accomplish this in the first 4 weeks of training rather than spending 2 to 4 years on it.
Additionally, after you have successfully completed the CTO certificate program, you are a fully certified Air Traffic Controller with a CTO certificate issued by an FAA Examiner.