Today Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) Department of Aviation held a ribbon cutting ceremony and technology demonstration to commemorate its new leading-edge Air Traffic Control (ATC) Lab in Lupton Hall.  

The result of a $430,000 New York State investment, the simulation space will support multiple aviation programs at FSC, one of the largest collegiate flight schools in the Northeast and the only four-year degree program in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  

“It is my great honor to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate a significant milestone for the School of Engineering Technology and its future in aviation education,” said Kenneth Lee, PhD, dean of its School of Engineering Technology. “Today, we mark the official opening of our new Air Traffic Control Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that will play a vital role in training the next generation of air traffic controllers. 

“This lab represents more than just bricks and mortar, it embodies our commitment to excellence in education and innovation in aviation,” he added. “With cutting-edge technology and realistic simulation environments, our students will gain the skills and experience they need to excel in one of the most dynamic and critical fields in our global economy.” 

Inspiration for the project took off in 2018, when FSC procured valuable ATC simulator equipment after the closure of a neighboring academic institution. In 2023, FSC was awarded Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Aeronautical Science: Professional Pilot, and Aviation Administration Programs.  

Additionally, the FAA plans to announce a “direct hire” option for AT-CTI graduates, including those from FSC, which would allow them to bypass the mandatory academy training and go directly into a FAA ATC facility. 

In May 2024, FSC was awarded a $430,000 New York State grant and within just three months, FSC’s dedicated facilities and operations team had completed the necessary laboratory improvements, which included the latest version of ATC simulator software in addition to new flooring, a drop ceiling, new lighting, simulator monitors and equipment casework, custom cabinetry, tables, and chairs. 

“We worked all the way down to that last week before classes started,” said Assistant Professor Meron Lindenfeld, EdD. “We were here just putting the finishing touches, so that when students walked in on Monday, we got to enjoy the look on their faces. You know that, ‘Whoa, what happened here?’ This technology will allow us, the faculty, to continue to work together and to develop a curriculum that will not only allow students to learn theory but put it into practice before they even graduate.” 

“It feels great to be here today,” said David Franco, ’28, a student in the Aviation Administration Program. “When I came for orientation, when I applied to Farmingdale, I saw what this room was before. I still wanted to apply to get my degree. However, I'm excited now that I have all this extra equipment to be able to practice and get different perspectives in the aviation industry.” 

“As an aviation student here at Farmingdale, to have access to this facility, it's definitely very positive,” said Michael Michitsch, ’28, a student in the Aviation Administration Program. “It's definitely a morale booster because you see that [the College] is investing in [its infrastructure]. It shows that they care for it. And it looks good down the line.”  

Located less than two miles from the FSC campus, the Aviation Flight Center serves as the primary hub for flight training with a fleet of 17 aircraft that the College owns and operates, and features advanced aviation training devices. The main campus also houses a fully interactive air traffic control simulator that provides simulation in both tower and radar positions. It is also less than 40 minutes from the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center, the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, and four other Airport Traffic Control Towers. Students can earn one of two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Aviation Administration or Aeronautical Science: Professional Pilot, with minors in Air Force ROTC, Aviation Administration or Aviation Flight. A drone pilot certification course is also available.  

View more photos from the Air Traffic Control Lab ribbon cutting ceremony on our Flickr Gallery.

Learn more about Aviation at FSC. 

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