Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens has launched a new training program to help address the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. The college is now teaching the federal curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with flight simulators and real-world scenarios. Unlike the traditional academy in Oklahoma City, Vaughn's program provides more time for practice and learning, which instructors say can help students who struggled with the fast pace of the federal academy. However, the ongoing government shutdown threatens plans to expand training and could lead to flight reductions in major markets. For students like Brandon Jean-Pierre, Vaughn offers a second chance to pursue a career in air traffic control, with hopes of working at local airports.