Washington ( CNN ) -- A program that puts air traffic controllers in the cockpit to view life `` on the other side of the frequency '' is being resurrected almost a decade after it was killed by Sept. 11 security measures . The program allows controllers to fly in the cockpit `` jump seat '' of commercial jets so they can become acquainted with the pilots ' workloads and responsibilities , and ultimately become better at their own . FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt , a former airline pilot , said the program benefits both controllers and pilots . `` It 's a two-way dialogue . And it helps both parties understand some of the work environment that the other is operating in , '' Babbitt said . Previously known as `` fam trips , '' short for `` familiarization trips , '' the program and the name both were casualties of September 11 . The terrorist attacks led to barricaded cockpit doors and to strict protocols on who could pass through them . And the term `` FAM '' is now used by the Federal Air Marshal Service . In the decade that has elapsed , thousands of new employees have joined the ranks of controllers , meaning that fully one-third of the work force has never had the chance to ride in an airline cockpit . `` I think it 's an outstanding idea , '' said Derek Bittman , a controller at an FAA facility in Atlanta . `` We tell the airplanes what to do , and they make it work . And if controllers got back in the cockpit , we would understand what it takes to make that request work , '' Bittman said . Officials say the program has minimal costs because the controllers sit on a `` nonrevenue '' fold-down seat behind the pilots . The program will be voluntary , and will be open to controllers who meet certain minimum work experience requirements . Union chief Paul Rinaldi , who participated in the former program , said he found the experience valuable , and it helped him understand when pilots have the busiest workloads and how to better communicate with them . Babbitt said the Transportation Security Administration has approved the program , and that he expects it to begin in the coming weeks . The TSA said it has worked with the FAA on `` a tightly controlled , restricted access program . '' `` Air traffic controllers who ride in the cockpit as part of training are vetted and are thoroughly screened at the checkpoint , '' the TSA said . `` From a security standpoint , it makes sense to ensure that air traffic controllers have a clear understanding of what happens inside the cockpit . ''
Air traffic controllers to get flight in control . FAA is to better understand pilot behavior and vice versa . FAA is restoring program effectiveness by Sept. 11 .