FAA’s new ATC staffing model sets a target of 12,563 certified professional controllers (CPCs) for fiscal year 2026, a revision down from previous targets. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has released a new Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan, significantly lowering its staffing target for certified professional controllers (CPCs) for fiscal year 2026 to 12,563, a decrease from previous goals.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) was not involved in developing the new plan and strongly opposes the lowered staffing targets, believing they are based on faulty research and will exacerbate the existing chronic shortage.
The FAA justifies the revised targets by stating a new staffing model more accurately reflects controller availability, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce overtime and fatigue, and utilize automation and AI for workforce management.
While the FAA plans to increase hiring and offer incentives, it anticipates substantial losses due to attrition, retirements, and training failures, resulting in a modest net gain that may still leave them shorthanded even against the reduced targets.
Updated May 18 at 5 p.m. EDT with additional statements from NATCA.
The union representing the country’s more than 14,000 air traffic controllers (ATCs) said that it was left out of the FAA’s decision to lower its ATC staffing target amid a chronic shortage of personnel.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
