News Detail

ATC in Akron Beacon Journal

Posted Dec. 2, 2009

Air traffic digs
KENT: Kent State will unveil its new air traffic control center in Van Deusen Hall at 3 p.m. Thursday.

The simulation laboratory is the only one of its kind in Ohio.

The university is the only school statewide to offer an air traffic control program and the only school in Ohio to offer the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, which air traffic controllers must complete.

The new center, which opened this fall, provides hands-on training for students in the aeronautics program. The simulation lab’s $2 million worth of equipment includes two air traffic control towers and 20 computers. Students and instructors can simulate a whole flight from takeoff to landing.

Currently, the view from the control tower is Daytona Beach Airport. A simulation for Akron-Canton Airport will be in place next semester.

The air traffic control program started in fall 2008. Currently 69 students are majoring in air traffic control.