FAA Set to Hire 1,500 Air Traffic Controllers This Year

ATC shortages have contributed to several delays and recent close calls, which have prompted the FAA to lay out guidelines reinforcing safety protocols.

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 12:17 PM ET

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According to the National Air Traffic Controller Association, staffing levels are at a 30-year low, while two in 10 air traffic controller positions remain unfilled nationwide. [FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is experiencing severe, 30-year low staffing levels for air traffic controllers, contributing to flight delays, recent close calls, and prompting calls for airlines to reduce flights, especially in the New York area.
To address the shortage, the FAA will open a brief application window from May 5-8, 2023, aiming to hire 1,500 controllers this year and 1,800 next, as it works through pandemic-related training backlogs.
Becoming an air traffic controller is a specialized role requiring specific eligibility, extensive training at the FAA Academy, and several years of on-the-job experience, but offers a high average salary ($120,830) and generous federal benefits.

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The 2023 application window for entry-level air traffic controllers will open May 5-8 as the FAA grapples with staffing shortages across the nation.

The agency plans to hire roughly 1,500 controllers this year, and another 1,800 next year as it is catching up on pandemic-related training backlogs—a significant cause of the staffing shortage. According to the National Air Traffic Controller Association (NATCA), staffing levels are at a 30-year low, while two in 10 air traffic controller positions remain unfilled nationwide.