Guiding the Skies

A Clear Flight Path

Al Zaabi's passion began early. Growing up, he was captivated by aviation documentaries, especially those exploring air crash investigations. He became fascinated by the calm precision of controllers who make split-second decisions to prevent tragedy.

“Over time, I started learning more about the job, talking with professionals in the field and realizing how much responsibility and precision it requires,” he said. “That combination of challenge and purpose made me fall in love with the profession.”

That sense of responsibility continues to drive him. “What truly motivates me is the idea of responsibility — knowing that as a controller, you play a direct role in ensuring safety and efficiency for hundreds of people every day,” he said.

Learning in Real Time

Embry-Riddle’s B.S. in Air Traffic Management is part of the university’s FAA-approved Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), designed to prepare students for their careers immediately after graduation, and allowing them to skip the FAA Academy.

Through immersive coursework and hands-on simulations, students like Al Zaabi learn to manage complex airspace systems, apply safety protocols and make confident, data-driven decisions under pressure.

“The simulation labs are one of the best parts of the program,” Al Zaabi said. “They allow us to experience real-world air traffic scenarios — handling multiple aircraft, managing communications and making split-second decisions under pressure. Every session feels like real air traffic control (ATC) work.”

One of his most memorable experiences came during a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Lab exercise. “I was managing several aircraft on approach when one of them reported a loss of separation with traffic ahead,” he recalled. “I had just a few seconds to react — I issued a turn and altitude change to reestablish safe separation while continuing to sequence other arrivals. It showed me how controllers must think fast, stay calm and communicate clearly under pressure.”

That lesson — stay calm, stay sharp — has become his personal flight rule.

From Classroom to Control Center

Al Zaabi’s learning hasn’t stopped at the classroom door. Last summer, he completed an internship at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the Sultanate of Oman, gaining firsthand exposure to live operations at the Muscat Air Traffic Control Center.

There, he shadowed controllers, observed pre- and post-shift briefings and worked with the Aeronautical Information Management and Procedures for Air Navigation Services–Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) teams on airspace planning and procedure design.

“I learned how technology, teamwork and leadership combine to maintain safety and efficiency in air traffic management,” he said. “It helped me connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.”

He also collaborated with the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) department to understand the technical backbone of ATC operations. That experience, he said, “reinforced my passion for air traffic control and showed me how important decision making, precise communication and system awareness are in real operations.”

Leading Beyond the Tower

As an international student from Oman, a coastal nation in the Middle East known for its hospitality and connection to trade and travel, Al Zaabi found community and confidence by getting involved on campus.

“When I first arrived in the U.S., everything felt new — the language, the learning style and even daily life,” he said. “But Embry-Riddle’s welcoming environment helped me adapt quickly and feel at home.”

Now, as president of the Omani Students Association (OSA), he leads efforts to build bridges between cultures and celebrate global perspectives. “Leading this organization has strengthened my leadership, communication and teamwork skills,” he said. “We organize cultural and educational events that showcase Omani heritage and help new students adjust to campus life.”

In its first year, the OSA earned The Eaglet — Embry-Riddle’s Student Involvement Award for Best Emerging Club. “That moment meant so much to me,” Al Zaabi said. “It showed how teamwork, culture and leadership can come together to make a real difference on campus.”

Eyes on the Horizon

As both a full-time student and leader, Al Zaabi knows the value of discipline and time management. “Balancing both can be challenging, but I rely on organization and consistency,” he said. “I’ve learned that when you’re passionate about what you do, balance comes naturally."

For him, the program’s structure and support network have made all the difference.

“Embry-Riddle’s reputation for excellence in aviation made it my top choice,” he said. “From day one, I’ve had access to state-of-the-art simulators, real-world training environments and professors with real ATC experience."

After graduation, Al Zaabi hopes to work in a control tower — “the most interactive and visually engaging environment,” he said — and eventually move into aviation management. “I want to contribute to improving safety systems, training programs and organizational efficiency,” he added.

His vision mirrors that of the program itself: to produce professionals who not only manage airspace but also advance the systems that keep it safe. 

Guiding the Next Generation

When asked what advice he would offer to students considering the field, Al Zaabi doesn’t hesitate: “If you love challenges, responsibility and making a real difference, this is the career for you. Air Traffic Management requires focus, discipline and teamwork, but it’s one of the most rewarding fields in aviation.”

From the radar lab to leadership meetings, Al Zaabi is already practicing what he preaches — calm under pressure, driven by purpose and ready to guide the skies.

“Embry-Riddle has prepared me not only with technical knowledge but also with confidence, professionalism and a global perspective,” he said. “Those qualities will guide me wherever I go — in the tower, in management or anywhere aviation takes me.”