On July 11, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy provided an update on the accelerated hiring process for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This announcement follows National Air Traffic Control Day and highlights significant improvements in the training pipeline.
Since implementing the new plan, the FAA has increased onsite Academy training by nearly 30 percent. By the end of July, a record number of 550 students are expected to be in training at the FAA Academy. The administrative process has been reduced by over five months, allowing top-scoring applicants to enter the Academy more quickly.
"It’s going to take time to address the nationwide controller shortage, but I’m pleased to see our supercharge initiative is taking off. With our new streamlined hiring process, the best and brightest candidates are starting their careers in air traffic control faster," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "We’ll continue to leverage opportunities big and small to keep chipping away at the shortage to keep our skies safe."
"We’re making real progress by investing in our workforce and removing barriers that slowed us down in the past," said FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau. "The work is ongoing, but we’re committed to hiring the best air traffic controllers to keep our national airspace system safe and efficient."
Earlier this year, Secretary Duffy announced these changes at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Previously, it took over 12 months from application to admission into the Academy, often causing qualified individuals to seek other career paths due to long waiting periods. The streamlined process now allows quicker entry with less uncertainty.
Additionally, Secretary Duffy introduced measures aimed at increasing the controller workforce through financial incentives for graduates and new hires who complete initial training milestones or are assigned to hard-to-staff facilities. The FAA has expanded its instructor base, established a tutoring lab, and continues filling every available seat at the Academy while also streamlining hiring for those with previous experience.
For more information about careers in air traffic control and how to apply, visit faa.gov/atc-hiring.
