Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Utah State University's new Air Traffic Control simulator is helping to prepare the next generation of air traffic controllers and training students to fill a major gap in the industry affecting travel nationwide.
USU's Air Traffic Control Minor, which launched just last year, has grown from 36 students to more than 160 today. It’s one of just a few college aviation programs offering air traffic control training in the western United States, and the only one in Utah.
In addition to classroom work, students are exposed to a simulator that was custom designed for USU’s aviation program. Students manage realistic traffic scenarios, respond to changing weather conditions, and practice coordination and communication skills in real time.
In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration ultimately selects and trains potential air traffic controllers in a demanding program that includes years of training at the FAA Academy and then at a specific airfield before they are certified. Currently, about 30% of people who start the FAA program wash out before they are fully trained and certified.
Students who earn the minor at USU are already familiar with FAA standards, vocabulary, procedures and regulations that will help them perform well in rigorous FAA training. To date, four current USU students or alumni of the year-old program have been accepted to the FAA Academy.
Three million travelers, and counting, have been impacted by delayed and/or canceled flights amid Air Traffic Control shortages since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2025. Staffing shortages in ATC towers are not unique to the shutdown, however, as the FAA previously reported a nationwide shortage of more than 3,000 Air Traffic Controllers.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Utah State University's new Air Traffic Control simulator is helping to prepare the next generation of air traffic controllers and training students to fill a major gap in the industry affecting travel nationwide.
USU's Air Traffic Control Minor, which launched just last year, has grown from 36 students to more than 160 today. It’s one of just a few college aviation programs offering air traffic control training in the western United States, and the only one in Utah.
In addition to classroom work, students are exposed to a simulator that was custom designed for USU’s aviation program. Students manage realistic traffic scenarios, respond to changing weather conditions, and practice coordination and communication skills in real time.
In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration ultimately selects and trains potential air traffic controllers in a demanding program that includes years of training at the FAA Academy and then at a specific airfield before they are certified. Currently, about 30% of people who start the FAA program wash out before they are fully trained and certified.
Students who earn the minor at USU are already familiar with FAA standards, vocabulary, procedures and regulations that will help them perform well in rigorous FAA training. To date, four current USU students or alumni of the year-old program have been accepted to the FAA Academy.
Three million travelers, and counting, have been impacted by delayed and/or canceled flights amid Air Traffic Control shortages since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2025. Staffing shortages in ATC towers are not unique to the shutdown, however, as the FAA previously reported a nationwide shortage of more than 3,000 Air Traffic Controllers.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
