WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an ambitious initiative to tackle the ongoing air traffic controller shortage, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a series of bold measures focused on recruitment, retention, and an accelerated hiring process. Building on the administration’s February launch of the “supercharge program,” these updates are poised to fortify the critical workforce supporting the National Airspace System.
“In our first 100 days, this administration has made more progress on addressing the air traffic controller shortage than the last one did in four years,” said Secretary Duffy. “But there’s more work to be done to secure our skies. Today’s actions will supercharge the air traffic controller workforce from both retention and hiring sides of the equation – bringing us one step closer to reversing decades of staffing declines.”
Retention and Recruitment Enhancements
To retain experienced air traffic controllers approaching retirement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is rolling out a limited-term incentive program. Eligible controllers will receive a lump sum payment of 20 percent of their annual base pay for each additional year of service before mandatory retirement at age 56.
The measures to enhance recruitment efforts include financial incentives for academy graduates, new hires, and those assigned to challenging locations. Highlights include:
- A $5,000 award for academy graduates and new hires successfully completing initial qualification training.
- A $10,000 incentive for graduates who accept assignments at one of 13 identified hard-to-staff facilities.
- Expanded direct hiring initiatives prioritizing experienced military air traffic controllers, enabling faster placement at sought-after facilities.
These enhancements aim to increase both the number of new recruits and the retention of tenured professionals, addressing long-term staffing challenges.
Streamlining the Hiring Pipeline
Secretary Duffy also introduced significant reforms to expedite the hiring process, cutting it down from eight steps to five, shaving up to five months off previous timelines. The administration has already referred over 8,320 candidates for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) aptitude test through the March campaign, with the highest-scoring applicants already progressing to training.
“A clear sign of success is in the numbers,” said Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau. “Less than 45 days after the announcement closed, one of the first applicants already has an Academy start date in early June. This stellar work by our team to accelerate this process is a clear sign that this Administration is leading in a profound way to transform our aviation system.”
To handle the hiring surge, the FAA has also expanded resources for medical and security clearances by retaining additional qualified personnel, including psychologists for evaluations.
Enhanced Training Programs
The FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy, based in Oklahoma City, will expand its teaching resources by hiring additional certified instructors. Former air traffic controllers, alongside newly recruited teaching assistants and educators, will conduct hands-on technical training to meet the rising demand. Starting in June, a new Learning Center will provide additional support to students struggling with rigorous coursework, which historically has a graduation rate of 57 to 73 percent.
The Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), which allows students to complete on-the-job training immediately upon graduation, is also receiving bolstered funding, increasing the Academy’s capacity for onboarding future controllers.
A Vision for the Future
The FAA aims to hire at least 2,000 controllers in 2025, addressing staffing shortages that have posed operational risks in recent years. With competitive salaries, accelerated training, and significant professional incentives, the Department of Transportation is working to ensure the stability of the National Airspace System.
“This new recruitment award and retention incentive program is a meaningful step toward addressing the ongoing staffing shortages,” said National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels. “We thank Secretary Duffy for his commitment to recruiting and retaining the best and brightest in the air traffic control profession.”
Moving Forward
The supercharged hiring initiative spotlights the Department’s effort to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability for air travelers nationwide. By fostering collaborative efforts with the FAA, industry stakeholders, and unions, the administration is tackling workforce challenges with innovative solutions.
By reinforcing capabilities and attracting top-tier talent, the initiative paves the way for a modernized and robust aviation system capable of meeting growing demands in the decades ahead.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.