FAA still short about 3,000 air traffic controllers, new federal numbers show
The numbers show the challenge of filling the gap that led to flight delays and concerns over fatigue and near collisions on runways. The shortage is a concern of airlines, controllers, and watchdogs who concluded the agency “made limited efforts to ensure adequate controller staffing at critical air traffic control facilities.”
The FAA has about 11,500 controllers who are either fully certified or in training. The staffing plans call for more than 14,600 controllers to fully staff towers and centers.
Last year, the FAA hired 1,512 new controller candidates. But at the same time, it lost more than 1,300 employees, including controllers who retired or dropped out of training.
The FAA is aiming to hire 1,800 controllers this year. Airlines are concerned about the hiring and training process and its impact on flight schedules.
The aviation policy bill requires the agency to maximize hiring and install additional simulators at air traffic control sites to speed up training progress.
The current understaffing means controllers are regularly working overtime. The agency recently ordered an increase in minimum rest standards.
Limiting summary to 80 words: Despite a surge in hiring last year, air traffic control stations are still 3,000 controllers short, leading to flight delays and near collisions. Airlines and watchdogs are concerned over limited efforts to ensure adequate staffing at critical facilities. The FAA aims to hire 1,800 controllers this year. The aviation policy bill requires maximized hiring and additional simulators. Understaffing currently results in controllers working overtime, prompting an increase in minimum rest standards.