Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
Department or Program
Public Administration
Advisor
Pavel, Samuel
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to examine whether more applicants from underrepresented groups were hired after changes in the air traffic controller selection. More specifically, did the ethnic and gender makeup of the controller workforce change after the elimination of the Air Traffic Collegiate Training program (AT-CTI). I begin my research paper with a literature review of the air traffic controller selection and hiring processes from 1940 to 2015. I then evaluated the most recent change in the selection and hiring process using Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data from 2005-2015. I found the diversity in hiring air traffic controllers increased after the termination of the AT-CTI. However applicants in underrepresented groups are more likely to be lost through attrition in the FAA Academy Air Traffic Controller Training Program.