OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at tackling the long-standing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers (ATC). Announced during a visit to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center on February 27, the plan includes significant reforms to the hiring process, salary adjustments, and a renewed focus on attracting top-tier talent into the aviation safety field.
Addressing an issue that has persisted for over a decade, Secretary Duffy emphasized the importance of prioritizing aviation safety while investing in the next generation of controllers. “The staffing shortage has been a known challenge for over a decade, and this administration is committed to solving it,” Duffy stated, emphasizing the program’s alignment with President Trump’s broader agenda to modernize federal operations.
Integral to the plan is a streamlined hiring process. The FAA will reduce its current eight-step hiring procedure to five steps, cutting over four months from the timeline required to bring candidates onboard. The new approach prioritizes merit by giving preference to candidates who achieve a “Well Qualified” rating on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment Test (ATSA).
To enhance recruitment efforts, the initiative also includes a 30% salary increase for Academy candidates. This adjustment offers a strong financial incentive, with certified professional controllers earning an average annual salary of $160,000. The FAA believes this combination of efficiency and competitive compensation will bring in some of the best and brightest to address the growing demands of aviation safety.
The hiring window for applications will remain open through March 17. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous training at the FAA Academy before being deployed to air traffic control towers or other facilities nationwide, where they will continue hands-on training alongside seasoned professionals to achieve their certification.
Looking Ahead
The Department of Transportation’s new strategy represents a pivotal step toward resolving one of aviation’s critical challenges. By streamlining hiring, raising salaries, and emphasizing merit-based recruitment, the initiative aims to fortify the country’s air traffic control workforce. Federal officials anticipate that these measures will not only reduce staffing shortages but also enhance operational efficiency and safety in America’s skies for years to come.
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