Enid, OK — The recent concerns over air travel safety, following a series of crashes and close calls, have prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation to take swift action. One of the most pressing issues highlighted is the ongoing staffing shortage in air traffic control towers, which has raised alarms among aviation professionals and passengers alike.
In a bid to tackle this critical issue, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited Oklahoma City on Monday to tour the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. During his visit, Duffy unveiled a new initiative aimed at addressing the staffing shortage and expediting the training of air traffic controllers.
“We have to do something to bring more controllers online, into the towers, be certified, and make sure they’re controlling our airspace,” Duffy said. “We need to act fast, and this plan will ensure we’re bringing in the best and brightest to join the aviation safety community.”
The new initiative is designed to streamline the hiring and training process. Currently, the process to become a fully certified air traffic controller can take up to two and a half years. Under the new plan, Duffy hopes to cut this timeline by as much as four months. In addition, the FAA is offering a 30% pay increase, which will bring salaries for air traffic controllers to nearly $23 an hour in an effort to attract more qualified candidates.
The FAA will begin accepting applications for air traffic controllers starting February 27 and running through March 17. The recruitment process will include an entrance exam, and Duffy emphasized that top-performing candidates will be fast-tracked through the training program to fill available positions at the academy more quickly. After successfully completing their training in Oklahoma City, new controllers will be assigned to towers or other facilities nationwide.
But Duffy’s visit was not solely focused on staffing concerns. The Secretary also addressed the need for a technological overhaul within the air traffic control system. Many control towers across the country are still relying on outdated equipment, which could contribute to delays or safety risks in the air. Duffy stressed the importance of modernizing the air traffic control system, stating, “I don’t want to see people lose their lives because we have an air traffic control system that fails. Time is of the essence.”
To implement these necessary technological upgrades, Duffy explained that Congress would need to approve significant funding. “We are calculating what that number will be, but it will be in the billions,” he said, underscoring the scale of the investment required to bring the country’s air traffic control infrastructure up to date.
While the staffing initiative and technology upgrades are steps in the right direction, the FAA’s efforts will require long-term commitment and cooperation from both government officials and the aviation industry to ensure the continued safety of the nation’s airspace. With growing concerns about air travel safety, Secretary Duffy’s visit signals that the government is taking proactive measures to address the challenges facing air traffic control and aviation safety.
