Federal Aviation AdministraionFederal Aviation Administraion
Technical Operations Collegiate Training Initiative
(TO-CTI)
What are the eligibility requirements?
How can I get more information about the FAA TO-CTI program?
The Technical Operations Collegiate Training Initiative is
a unique Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cooperative education initiative.
TO-CTI was created for the purpose of using colleges to provide basic electronics
and automation training for potential FAA technicians. This training is designed
to prepare selected individuals for entry-level positions as electronics technicians
within the FAA.
Upon graduation, and if selected for permanent employment, participants will continue to advance their education at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Successful completion of this specialized training in advanced electronic concepts, communication, navigation and radar systems will lead to career advancement.
As the FAA advances into satellite communications and navigation, the agency will continue to offer challenges to the brightest minds.
The Phoenix District Office covers the state of Arizona to the border of Mexico. We serve a population rich in cultural diversity.
The employees of the Phoenix District Office maintain 1,150 facilities over an area of 113,500 square miles, and have maintained leadership in equipment availability and reliability year after year. We are proud of the service we provide to the flying public.
There is no substitute for hands-on experience! This program offers students a unique opportunity for degree related technical work experiences at FAA facilities and, for selected individuals, the potential for a permanent position with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA offers permanent employment opportunities with incentives for career advancement. Federal employment includes a wide variety of generous benefits including vacation and sick leave; basic life and health insurance plans; a quality retirement system; and paid training and advancement opportunities throughout the continental United States and various overseas locations.
Depending on the complexity of the systems assigned, electronic technicians may be promoted, non-competitvely, to the highest pay levels. Further advancement into supervisiory and managerial positions is based on overall knowledge, skill, abilities, and performance in competition with other qualified applicants.
Entry-level base pay will depend on previous experience and education. The pay range for students will be between $20,500 and $35,400. Full performance technicians (those certified on specialized equipment) will receive $41,300 - $95,300 plus locality pay. FAA supervisor's and manager's salaries may range from $54,400 - $113,900 plus locality pay.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students who are interested in participating in the TO-CTI Education Program must be enrolled in an approved college or trade school for a minimum of one semester prior to applying to the program. Mesa Community College is an approved TO-CTI college in the Phoenix Area.
FAA offices have been authorized to provide financial assistance to selected students to supplement tuition and textbook expenses. This amount may vary based on the FAA's budgetary situation.
Applicants must complete the Federal Application for Employment, SF-171, or OF-612 obtained from a college career advisor or FAA representative. Once selected, students will work at FAA sites on a part-time basis, earning a salary while gaining degree related experience.
FAA work experience is a requirement of the TO-CTI program. A total of 640 hours must be completed prior to graduation. Upon graduation and successful completion of the TO-CTI work experience program, the FAA may non-competitively hire a graduate into a permanent electronics technician position within 120 days after graduation.
How can I get more information about the FAA TO-CTI program?
Detailed information about the TO-CTI Program at Mesa Community College can be obtained by contacting the FAA Program Support Center at (858) 537-5554 (Frank Tarkany) or (858) 537-5550 (Jo Richards).
