Control Tower Operator Certification
Ready to take the next step toward a new career path? With six months of training
graduates of this program will have earned their Control Tower Operator (CTO) Certification
with a rating from the Schenectady Tower. With an additional six months of on-the-job
training at Schenectady Tower, students meet the requirements to be hired at any of
the over 283 non-federal (NFT) and federal contract towers (FCT). Positions for on-the-job
training will be offered with successful completion of certification.
CTO Certification Details
- Full-time, one year program
- No age limit
- Classes take place in person at SUNY Schenectady and at the Schenectady County Airport
- Real-world, hands-on experience controlling air traffic from the tower taught by certified controllers
- Students must complete an FAA Second Class Medical before enrollment; all students will be required to complete an FAA pre-employment drug screen and may be subject to random drug testing during portions of the program
Course Dates and Sequence
Course sequence needs to be followed in order. This program is full time and must be completed in the timeline listed below. Stepping out of the program means starting over at the beginning.
Summer 2026
July 7 – August 13
CTO – Basics 101
Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fee: $10,000
Fall 2026
August 24 – October 1
CTO - Tower Ops I Class
Monday | Wednesday
2-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $3,500
August 31 – October 15
CTO Tower Ops I Tower Lab
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $7,000
August 31 – October 15
CTO Tower Ops I Sim Lab
Monday-Thursday
5:00-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $7,000
October 19 - December 10
CTO Tower Ops II Class
Monday | Wednesday
2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $3,500
October 19 - December 10
CTO Tower Ops II Sim Lab
Monday-Thursday
5:00-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $7,000
October 19 - December 10
CTO Tower Ops II Tower Lab
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $7,000
Total Cost of Tuition
$45,000