Today, Senator Reverend Warnock applauded the announcement that Middle Georgia State University (MGA) was recently approved to be an Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) school

The designation allows graduates of MGA’s air traffic control program to immediately begin working for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) towers and facilities

FAA has a shortage of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers

The Senator had led several efforts to help bolster Georgia as an aviation powerhouse, including securing $2,000,000 for MGA flight simulators

Senator Reverend Warnock: “During a time when there is a gross shortage of vital air traffic controllers, the Peach State has stepped up to the plate, helping fill these roles with qualified candidates right out of school”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), issued the following statement applauding the recent announcement that Middle Georgia State University (MGA) had become just the seventh university in the nation to achieve the Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) designation. The designation allows graduates of the school’s air traffic control program to bypass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control academy and immediately begin working for FAA towers and facilities. 

“This designation confirms that Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation. And during a time when there is a gross shortage of vital air traffic controllers, the Peach State has stepped up to the plate, helping fill these roles with qualified candidates right out of school,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’ve been proud to help advance the state’s aviation dominance, including securing robust funding for Middle Georgia State. I look forward to continuing this work.”

“We are grateful to Senator Warnock and his team for their continued support of Middle Georgia State University and the School of Aviation,” said Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University. “This recognition affirms the strength and caliber of our aviation programs and reinforces our commitment to preparing Georgia’s highly skilled, adaptable workforce for one of our nation’s most critical industries.”

Senator Warnock has an extensive history bolstering Georgia’s aviation economy. Senator Warnock introduced the bipartisan Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025, which would address air traffic controller staffing shortages and improve working conditions for controllers. Additionally, Senator Warnock has secured $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending requests that support MGA’s air traffic controller program.