FAA Plans 'Supercharge' for Air Traffic Controller Hiring

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new plan to 'supercharge' the hiring of air traffic controllers, aiming to address a long-standing staffing shortage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will streamline its hiring process from eight steps to five, reducing the time-to-hire by more than four months. Additionally, starting salaries for new candidates attending the FAA Academy will increase by 30%, with the average salary for certified controllers at approximately $160,000. This initiative comes amid heightened scrutiny of air safety following several aviation accidents, including a deadly midair collision in January. Duffy emphasized the need to recruit skilled individuals to ensure safety in the skies and acknowledged the rigorous training required to become a controller. However, challenges remain, as the lengthy training process can still hinder rapid workforce expansion.