Link Simulation and Training Air Traffic Control Academy Gains Approval from U.S. Veterans Administration for Chapter 31 Funding

The academy, which graduated its first class in November 2009, is housed on the grounds of the North Texas Regional Airport (NTRA) in Denison, Texas, and offers instruction that is fully compliant with Federal Aviation Regulation requirements. Students undergo an intensive 10-month training period, receiving a mix of classroom instruction, simulation-based training and on-the-job experience in NTRAs air traffic control tower. Veterans have proven they have the personal qualifications deemed necessary to become an air traffic controller, said David Williams, L-3 Links vice president of training services. We are very excited that our academy will enable wounded warrior veterans to enter this prestigious career field and gain their control tower operator certification in the shortest time frame possible. Each successful student undergoes a control tower operator evaluation by the Federal Aviation Administration within the NTRA tower. Students who pass this evaluation and meet FAA hiring requirements become candidates for control tower operator positions throughout the United States. It is with great pride and respect that our academy team, made up largely of veterans, looks forward to delivering instruction that sets our nations wounded warriors on a path toward a very rewarding career in air traffic control, Williams said.