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 convert federal contract towers (FCTs) into direct FAA oversight, integrating their privately managed air traffic controllers (ATCs) to combat a national shortage.
This initiative aims to strengthen the controller workforce pipeline by standardizing training and absorbing experienced personnel, despite the FCT program itself facing staffing shortfalls.
Starting with two high-activity FCTs, the program will evaluate the safety and feasibility of expanding this strategy to incorporate more third-party controllers into the agency's ranks.
The new approach follows a controversial revision of the FAA's ATC staffing model and previous unsuccessful attempts to boost recruitment and retention through various incentives and strategies.

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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.