New revisions in the air traffic control hiring process could level the playing field for SIU students.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced new revisions for the air traffic control hiring process for 2014. Applicants can have a four-year degree in aviation management or aviation technologies, three years of work experience or a combination of the two. Previously, air traffic controllers were required to graduate from a Collegiate Training Initiative or schools near a major air traffic control center to apply.

Chairperson and professor of aviation management and flight David Newmyer said the revisions could positively affect SIU students.

“Before, students had to be graduate students of a CTI-approved school, and SIU has never been approved for numerous reasons,” he said. “Now that they are accepting students who are not graduates of CTI schools, it will level the playing field for SIU students who apply.”

Newmyer said students graduating from SIU with a bachelor’s degree will no longer spend time or money attending a CTI school.

Austin Kinley, a senior from Naperville studying aviation management, applied for an ATC position and graduated from a CTI school prior to attending the university. Kinley said the revisions have both positives and negatives.

“It will bring more applicants, but those who went through CTI now have to wait behind everyone else,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration still encourages applicants to earn a degree, but it is not required. Newmyer said students should still stay to finish their degree.

“Although it is not required, we recommend students stay to grow to their full potential,” he said. “The FAA will still hire those without a degree but will avoid it if they can so that the applicant can move to higher levels in his or her career.”

Kinley said students should still get their degree because the aviation management program is multifaceted.

“Students here learn about different sides of the industry in that program, so even if they meet the criteria to apply they should still stay for their degree,” he said.

Newmyer said the air traffic control program the university offers is top-notch and a unique opportunity for students.

“SIU has the fourth busiest en route control tower in the state and without air controllers, there would be chaos. They do a really good job here.”

Visit aviation.siu.edu for more information about the regulations and the school of aviation.