Purdue News
Purdue NewsPurdue is one of nine colleges nationwide that will expand its aviation curriculum to meet FAA standards, with a specific goal to enhance education and training in air traffic control. Purdue's Department of Aviation Technology was chosen for the initiative based on its curriculum, faculty, facilities, interviews with students and support for the overall aviation program.
The object of the initiative is to increase the pool of potential qualified candidates the FAA can consider for future air traffic control positions, as well as boost employment opportunities for participating students.
Mike Nolan, associate professor of aviation technology, said the partnership with the FAA is a natural fit. "We have the academic program and a history in aviation that puts us in a position to produce a higher percentage of successful candidates for controller jobs," Nolan said.
In fact, four of Purdue's programs of study are already FAA-certified, and the air traffic control option will need only some minor adjustments to meet the initiative's requirements.
Purdue in 1930 became the first university in the country to establish an airport
and the first university to offer a flight training program for college credit. The
Department of Aviation Technology was created in 1955.
CONTACT: Nolan, (765) 494-9992; home, (765) 474-6202; e-mail, mnolan@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
