Advanced ATC CTO-P Program

Advanced ATC Academy’s CTO-P Program

A New FAA-Backed Pathway into Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control School

In an aviation world where the demand for qualified air traffic controllers continues to soar, Advanced ATC Academy is on the front lines of training the next generation of tower specialists. Its Control Tower Operator Partnership (CTO-P) program has earned recognition from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of a broader strategy to expand the talent pipeline into critical air traffic roles.
Being recognized under the FAA’s CTO-P framework is a major milestone for Advanced ATC Academy.
Approval means:
Curriculum Alignment: The program maps directly to FAA air traffic control training standards, ensuring graduates receive education rigorously tied to the real operational skills needed on tower floors.
FAA Oversight: Partner institutions undergo FAA site visits and ongoing audits to maintain compliance with training quality and simulator fidelity.
Industry Credibility: Students who complete CTO-P training are better positioned for initial on-the-job training roles at FCTs, where they continue development under FAA-style protocols.

This endorsement isn’t just a badge of approval — it reflects a concerted industry effort to tackle the nationwide controller shortage by equipping candidates with hands-on, high-standards training outside the traditional FAA Academy pathway.

What Students Can Expect at Advanced ATC Academy
Advanced ATC’s CTO-P curriculum blends classroom instruction with practical application that mirrors real tower environments. With experienced instructors holding FAA CTO certification and decades of industry experience, students receive mentorship grounded in both regulation and operations.
The Academy offers features like:

Small class sizes for personalized instruction.
Tower simulators engineered to reflect FAA standards.

And while completion of CTO-P does not guarantee placement with the FAA itself, it does equip graduates with the qualifications and practical know-how valued by contract tower employers — often the first stage for many controllers on their FAA career path.

Secure Your Spot

Air Traffic Control School

To secure your spot, please complete the following steps:

  • Obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate

  • Prepare the initial investment of $27,500

  • Arrange housing in Selma for the duration of the program—or contact me for availability.

Housing Details:
Hotel-style housing is available for $3,250 for the full 11 weeks. It includes:

  • A private room and bathroom
  • Shared kitchen and living areas
  • All utilities included

What to Expect in the 11-Week Program

  • Weeks 1-6:
    Academic training, including preparation for and completion of your FAA CTO written exam

  • Week 7-11:
    Approximately 100 hours of tower simulation training

  • Post-Program Opportunity:
    Upon successful completion, Serco may offer employment at one of their control towers. If hired, you’ll receive paid on-the-job training with a starting salary of $70,000–$80,000 per year while completing your FAA CTO practical certification.

About Advanced ATC

Advanced ATC Training Highlights

Advanced ATC is your solution for all the tools necessary to achieve your Control Tower Operator certification.

Campus locations

Air Traffic Control School

Air Traffic Controllers are the unsung superheroes of our skies; working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.

USA (2 Locations)
Cayman Islands

  • Valdosta, Georgia
  • Selma, Alabama

  • Cayman Islands

  • Custom International On-Site Programs

Advanced ATC Campus Locations