United States Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Visits SUNY Schenectady to Tout College’s Enhanced Air Traffic Control Degree Program

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--United States Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy traveled to the Capital Region on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, to visit SUNY Schenectady County Community College and tour the Air Traffic Control Simulator Lab on campus while speaking with faculty and current students in the FAA-approved Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) degree program.

SUNY Schenectady launched the degree program in Fall 2025 and is one of only 11 colleges or universities across the country, and one of only four community colleges, that the FAA has authorized to provide the same thorough curriculum and advanced training technology offered at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. The training at the FAA Academy is an intensive two- to five-month training program, depending on the specific track taken. The collegiate training program allows students to learn at a slower pace and become proficient with the FAA-required material. Also, because of the program size and the two-year pathway, students are able to interact with faculty in a setting that allows for more in-depth exploration of topics, gain additional simulation time, and develop mentor relationships within the classroom.

Students in the Enhanced AT-CTI degree program can earn their Associate degree in just two years, and after passing the ATSA exam, and their background, medical, and security checks, they are prepared to go to work immediately in an FAA tower facility. Secretary Duffy noted how SUNY Schenectady has taken a lead role in helping to fill the critical need for air traffic controllers at airport towers across the country.

Secretary Duffy said, “The Trump Administration is delivering on our promise to supercharge the air traffic controller pipeline. It was incredible to see firsthand the work being done at SUNY Schenectady to equip the next generation of controllers who will keep our skies safe. With a record nine E-CTI programs launched under President Trump, we can attract even more hardworking young folk into this critical industry.”

During his visit, Secretary Duffy was able to experience the Air Traffic Control simulator, interacting with ATC students who were sitting in the controller’s chair, wearing their headsets, and “directing” an incoming airplane cleared for landing. The simulator is the largest and most comprehensive controller simulator east of the Mississippi River and features:

• Three ATC Tower stations for ultra-realistic training
• Seven 75” monitors for 215 degrees of complete tower immersion
• Four radar TRACON stations for multi-training scenarios and realism
• ATSpeak, which reinforces radar, tower, ramp, pilot, and airside driver phraseologies (the same platform the U.S. military trains on)
• Seven Remote Pilot stations for real human-voice responses and pilotage

Dr. Nicole Reaves, President of SUNY Schenectady, said, “We were proud to showcase our Enhanced AT-CTI degree program during Secretary Duffy’s visit to campus and provide him with the opportunity to experience our Air Traffic Control (ATC) Simulator and speak with faculty who are experts in the field and students who are training to become air traffic controllers. SUNY Schenectady is at the forefront of training the next generation of air traffic controllers as we help fill the need for qualified controllers nationwide and Secretary Duffy was very interested in how we can work together to grow the program in the future. We appreciate the enthusiastic support of Secretary Duffy and his team.”

One of the students Secretary Duffy met during his visit was Jason Winston who relocated from Norton, Mass., to Schenectady to enroll in the Enhanced AT-CTI program at SUNY Schenectady. He is in his second year of the program and plans to graduate in May 2027 and then begin working in an FAA tower.

Winston shared, “My dad was a pilot so he inspired me to build a career in the aviation field. Air Traffic Control sounded very rewarding. The Enhanced AT-CTI program at SUNY Schenectady has been excellent. The simulator we use in our classes has definitely given me much-needed hands-on experience to understand what’s going on visually and it allows the students to train in various conditions from sunny days to winter evenings. It’s a good representation of what I will be seeing in the field. This academic year, I plan to gain even more fluency for radio communication, more understanding for faster decision-making, and knowledge of how airports work, what kind of traffic flow I’ll be seeing, and what kind of situations I’ll experience.”

New this semester, SUNY Schenectady has received approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible students in the Enhanced Air Traffic Control degree program to receive VA tuition benefits under the GI Bill. VA benefits will cover the net tuition and mandatory fees (rate dependent upon length and eligibility of service) and may also provide a housing allowance dependent on which benefit the student is qualified to receive.

Johnathan Leung is a first-year student in the Enhanced AT-CTI degree program. Now in the United States Navy Reserves, he was active duty with the U.S. Navy from 2019 to 2024. Johnathan is one of the first students at the College to receive the VA tuition benefits under the GI Bill®. He will have his tuition and books covered and receive a monthly housing allowance.

Leung shared, “If I had to put in one word what it means to receive the VA tuition benefits this semester, I would say ‘relief.’ I can focus full time on college and the financial side of things is for the most part covered. That takes away a lot of stress for sure.”

Leung is looking forward to a rewarding career in a federal tower after he graduates from SUNY Schenectady. “The career itself seems amazing. As far as college, I’m looking forward to getting to meet other students who are interested in the same career. Air traffic control is a teamwork-based career that I am excited to be a part of,” Leung continued.

Also new this semester, the SUNY Reconnect program now includes free tuition for students who enroll in the Aviation Science (A.S.) and Enhanced Air Traffic Control (A.A.S.) degree programs. Through SUNY Reconnect, New Yorkers who are 25 to 55 years old without a college degree can earn their degree for free.

SUNY Schenectady has a long history in Air Traffic Control and Aviation education and training. The College began offering an Aviation Science A.S. degree program in 1996, which now encompasses two components: a Pilot Option and a Non-Pilot Administration and Management Option. The College began offering an Air Traffic Control Operator degree in 2010. Alumni are professional pilots, airline and FBO managers, and air traffic controllers. They have gone on to places including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Million Air, Signature Aviation, and Air Traffic Control Towers locally and across the country.

SUNY Schenectady encourages anyone interested in the Enhanced AT-CTI degree program or Aviation degree program to attend the College’s Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open House is an opportunity to see a demonstration of the ATC and Pilot simulators, to learn about the application process and financial aid, and to ask questions. Please contact Admissions for more information on the Enhanced AT-CTI and Aviation degree programs, as well as Open House. Admissions: 518-381-1366 or [e-mail].

About SUNY Schenectady
Founded in 1969, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY Schenectady is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through transferable degree and certificate programs, affordable tuition, strong student support services and a personalized approach to learning, SUNY Schenectady provides students with a regionally-acclaimed education that empowers them to take the next step in their lives. SUNY Schenectady offers degree and certificate programs through the:

• School of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
• School of Music
• Division of Liberal Arts
• Division of Math, Science, Technology, and Health
• Center for Aviation Sciences

SUNY Schenectady also offers an array of Workforce Development and Community Education services and non-credit courses. Learn more by visiting: www.sunysccc.edu.