Agency Says It Has Hired More than 2,000 New Controllers This Year

The FAA’s efforts to surge air traffic control hiring and get staffing back on track seem to have paid off, with the agency passing its 2,000 controller target well ahead of the September 30 deadline. The work is not done yet, however, with the regulator aiming to bring in 2,200 more next year.

Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed the figures at an industry conference, linking the effort to a broader push for modernizing air traffic control systems and achieving safer staffing levels. Congress approved $12.5 billion in July to help fund both hiring and upgrades to the nation’s aging infrastructure. Despite progress, current staff members continue to log mandatory overtime and work six-day weeks.

The surge in recruits has put pressure on the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where retired controllers serve as instructors under contract. The demand for training, about 550 students enrolled this summer, means instructors have been taking on back-to-back teaching shifts that can stretch from early morning until midnight. This has raised concerns for fatigue and safety, with some staff noting that their colleagues are “walking around like zombies” by the end of their days.

Compensation has also been an issue. Though instructor pay was raised, many allegedly still take long commutes or accept low-rent housing while relying on a $60 daily housing allowance to stay afloat.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has proposed bringing in additional educators with no direct air traffic control experience to ease the burden, serving as a clear source of criticism. Current instructors argue that the complex and safety-critical nature of the work demands training led by former controllers who have worked in towers and radar facilities.

On the bright side, the FAA has been putting in work to get the pressure off of Oklahoma City by approving universities across the country to lead training programs. The project, dubbed the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), now includes Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of North Dakota, Tulsa Community College, the University of Oklahoma, SUNY Schenectady County Community College, and more.

FMI: www.faa.gov