The FAA is still struggling to find enough qualified people to staff air traffic control facilities around the country, according to a DOT report released yesterday. Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), called the staffing situation a crisis, claiming controller numbers stand at their lowest level in 27 years.
DOT Warns on ATC Staffing Issues
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is experiencing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, reaching a 27-year low, and lacks sufficient data and a clear strategy to address staffing needs and increasing retirements.
- A 2014 change in the hiring process, which ended priority for specialized training graduates and introduced a controversial biographical assessment, has further complicated recruitment efforts.
- With 25% of the current workforce eligible to retire, the staffing crisis is negatively impacting efficiency and modernization, potentially leading to increased system inefficiencies and delays for the flying public.
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