FAA Moves to Improve Controller Training, Safety Reporting

The FAA says it is taking immediate action to improve air traffic controller training and safety reporting in response to a recently released National Airspace System Safety Review Team report.

Kate O'Connor

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 09:21 PM ET

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The FAA is making changes aimed at streamlining and improving air traffic controller hiring and training. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is taking immediate action to improve air traffic controller (ATC) training and safety reporting, in response to an independent review prompted by a recent series of close calls at airports.
The safety review team identified significant challenges in staffing, process integrity, facilities, equipment, and consistent funding within the air traffic system.
Key training initiatives include streamlining the path for Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative graduates, establishing a year-round hiring track for experienced controllers, increasing academy capacity, and deploying advanced simulator systems.
The agency also plans to strengthen its safety culture by ensuring that safety oversight reports are directly provided to top FAA administrators.

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The FAA says it is taking immediate action to improve air traffic controller (ATC) training and safety reporting in response to a recently released National Airspace System Safety Review Team report.

The assessment was commissioned by the agency following its March Safety Summit, which focused on a recent string of close calls at airports across the country. Conducted by an independent safety review team, the report covered the FAA’s internal safety processes, staffing levels and practices, facility and equipment needs, and funding.