FAA Seeks to Recruit Contracted ATCs to Its Ranks

Agency’s latest action to address a long-standing shortage would tap into a pool of privately managed air traffic controllers.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA pilot program seeks to convert two federal contract towers to agency-owned facilities. [Credit: iStock/JasonDoiy]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is launching a pilot program to address its longstanding air traffic controller (ATC) shortage by converting federal contract towers (FCTs) into FAA-operated facilities.
This initiative will integrate privately managed contract controllers into the direct FAA workforce, providing standardized training and allowing them to fill agency vacancies.
The move aims to strengthen the controller pipeline and alleviate an estimated shortage of about 1,500 certified professional controllers, despite concerns from the NATCA union regarding a recently revised staffing model.
Beginning with two high-activity FCTs, the program will assess if integrating experienced contract personnel can effectively meet staffing demands while maintaining safety standards.

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In its latest move to combat a longstanding shortfall of air traffic controllers (ATCs), the FAA will look to swell its ranks by dipping into a pool of privately managed controllers.

The agency on Monday said it will launch a pilot program to take ownership of federal contract towers (FCTs)—ATC facilities that follow FAA qualification and training requirements but are operated by non-agency personnel. The converted towers would be placed under direct FAA oversight, and their controllers would receive standardized training that allows them to either remain at their facility or be relocated to one of the agency’s approximately 300 other sites.