U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced improvements in the process for applicants entering the FAA Academy, resulting in a faster admission timeline. The changes come as part of efforts to address the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
Since implementing a new streamlined hiring process, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has increased onsite Academy training by nearly 30 percent. July is expected to see a record number of students in training, with 550 students anticipated by month's end. The administrative process has been reduced by over five months, allowing top-scoring applicants quicker entry into the Academy.
"It’s going to take time to address the nationwide controller shortage, but I’m pleased to see our supercharge initiative is taking off," said Secretary Duffy. "With our new streamlined hiring process, the best and the brightest candidates are starting their careers in air traffic control faster."
FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau added, "We’re making real progress by investing in our workforce and removing barriers that slowed us down in the past." He emphasized ongoing efforts to hire skilled air traffic controllers to maintain safety and efficiency in national airspace.
The new process was introduced earlier this year at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Previously, applicants faced waiting periods exceeding 12 months, which sometimes led them to seek other career paths. Now, qualified individuals can enter more swiftly and with less uncertainty.
Additionally, Secretary Duffy unveiled measures to strengthen the controller workforce further. These include financial incentives for graduates and new hires who complete initial training milestones or are assigned to hard-to-staff facilities. The FAA has also expanded its number of instructors and established a tutoring lab.
For more information on careers in air traffic control and application details, visit faa.gov/atc-hiring.
Information from this article can be found here.
