Health & Fitness
Community College of Baltimore County Aviation students win this year's National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) prize for their video
CCBC Air Traffic Control students win this year's National Air Traffic Controllers Association prize for their video.
Andrew Donnelly of Baltimore City and Moranda Reilly of York, Pa. (formerly of Columbia, Md.) students in the Air Traffic Control program at the Community College of Baltimore County beat out students from 36 other CTI-designated aviation schools and universities to win this year’s National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) prize for their video, titled “Air Traffic Control for Everyone.”
According to Doug Williams, CCBC Aviation program director, “Andrew and Moranda (pictured in the CCBC air traffic control simulation laboratory at CCBC Catonsville) each received a $1000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the NATCA Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the video debuted. “
Their award-winning video offers a laid-back look at the highly technical education of Air Traffic Control professionals. It also reveals an astonishing lack of awareness by the general public about what air traffic controllers do. NATCA and other groups have posted the video on their sites in hopes of educating the nation about the important and complex role that ATC’s play in flight safety.
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CCBC is one of 36 schools nationally to be designated by the Federal Aviation Administration’s for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). According to the FAA website, “Each school submits degrees to be part of the program. Currently the 36 designated institutions offer 15 different Associate, 37 Bachelor’s, and 3 Master’s degree programs.” This elite group prepares students for recommendation to the FAA’s Academy and its direct-hire pool.
Donnelly, who will complete his associate degree this May, and Reilly, who is scheduled to graduate in December 2013, hope to become en route air traffic controllers who keep track of air traffic as it travels across the country.
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Both praise for their CCBC experience. Donnelly notes that "The CTI program at CCBC has exceeded my expectations in preparing me to be a successful controller should I have the opportunity to work for the FAA." While Reilly adds, “I have greatly enjoyed my time in the FAA CTI program at CCBC. It's been a mix of challenges, successes and fun."
The CCBC Aviation program, headquartered on the Catonsville campus, offers associate degrees in air traffic control, flight management and flight training. CCBC also offers certificate programs in air traffic control, aviation management, flight attendant and flight training. CCBC offers the only two-year, statewide aviation program in Maryland. It is headquarters on the Catonsville campus. For additional information about Aviation programs and open houses, email aviation@ccbcmd.edu or call 443-840-4157.
Click on this link to view the video: http://youtu.be/L9WcI6LGmqE