Interning with the Meltons
With an academic focus on computer science and an FAA internship, Memphis General Manager Haven Melton’s nephew, C.J., is following a similar path as his uncle’s. Read and listen to their story.
By C. Troxell, FAA
Interning at the FAA while in college proved to be quite rewarding for Haven Melton 35 years ago, and now his nephew — a junior student-athlete at the University of West Alabama — also is reaping benefits from the FAA Internships program.
C.J. Melton, like his uncle, is a computer science major with proficiency in math and problem-solving, skills that originally helped Haven create a successful career in air traffic control.
C.J. is a summer intern for the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, in which he is learning about the work of Air Traffic Services by shadowing various professionals. The internship has also introduced C.J. to ATO Technical Operations, as he is involved in a project to create animated refresher training videos for FAA technicians.
“We have a lot of similarities, and he’s given me a lot of guidance,” C.J. said of Haven. “He’s been like a leader for me.”
C.J.’s interning with the FAA brings back memories for Haven. “I did not envision a career in air traffic control until a recruiter from the FAA spoke to me and other students about opportunities in the co-op [internship] program,” Haven recalled. “I had no idea what air traffic control even was.”
Haven reflected on being one of just two students to pass the FAA’s qualification test in the first round. Upon passing the test, Haven began his internship in the Air Traffic Division Cooperative Education program at Atlanta Center, and went on to certify as a controller at Meridian Radar Air Traffic Control Facility in Mississippi, where he worked for the next 18 years. Since his internship, Haven has worked as a controller, quality control specialist, operations supervisor, air traffic manager and general manager over multiple air traffic facilities.
“My instructors in the co-op program were former operations supervisors, and they laid the foundation for my career; they taught me the basics of air traffic control” Haven said. “The co-op program gave me options, and that was the key. It has paid dividends for me.”
At the time, Haven was the only aviation professional in his family and did not have the same guidance he is able to provide to C.J. today, who is also considering a career in air traffic control. Haven finds fulfillment in being C.J.’s mentor and sees many opportunities for him in the aerospace sector. “The FAA’s responsibilities keep growing. When I came in, drones were not prevalent and neither were commercial space operations.”
The possibilities are endless for C.J., who said his favorite part about the internship is meeting new people from around the world and learning about their backgrounds and interests. He has also enjoyed learning about some of the cutting-edge technology the FAA uses, including remote towers. C.J. will carry what he gained from his internship when he returns to college as a junior this year, where he plays guard for the West Alabama Tiger’s basketball team.
“There is someone in the intern program that is from Guam, and in my cohort group, there’s someone my age with a pilot license. I thought that was amazing,” C.J. said. “There are so many different people with different qualities and personalities.”
The FAA is host to many internship programs, and our interns are critical to developing key campaigns throughout the field of aerospace. Go to faa.gov/go/interns to learn more about our programs and application periods.
