20 Percent Incentive Aims to Retain Experienced Air Traffic Controllers

As the air traffic controller shortage trudges on, the US Department of Transportation is rolling out even more financial incentives (aka bribes) to encourage experienced controllers to remain on the job beyond retirement age. The latest offer is a 20% annual bonus.

The FAA has been putting in the work to increase the number of fully certified controllers. In the meantime, however, retaining the experienced personnel already on staff is essential.

"I think what is key, we have offered a bonus to air traffic controllers who are eligible to retire. We are going to pay them a 20% bonus on their salary to stay longer. Don't retire," Duffy stated. "So as we bring more air traffic controllers in, and keep the older, experienced controllers, we're going to be able to make up that difference."

The controller shortfall has been years in the making. Aging infrastructure, slow hiring processes, and a lack of investment in training systems have led to chronic understaffing across the US.

To address the shortage, the FAA has rolled out multiple incentives across the board. New hires will receive $5,000 bonuses after completing initial qualification training, and up to $10,000 if they’re assigned to facilities with particularly high staffing needs. The agency is also expanding opportunities for veteran military controllers and streamlining the previously cumbersome hiring process from eight steps down to five, cutting months off the timeline.

Training capacity is also being expanded. The FAA is deploying additional tower simulation systems and increasing the number of instructors at its Oklahoma City academy. A new Learning Center is being established to support accelerated training and certification.

The FAA has already seen increased interest in its training programs, with expectations to hire around 2,000 controllers this year. Despite these efforts, Duffy cautioned that it’ll take ‘months, if not years,’ to bring staffing back to safe and sustainable levels.

FMI: www.faa.gov