Buys Broadcast Ads To Spotlight Staff Shortage

With the Federal Aviation Administration and the Government Accountability Office predicting severe air traffic control staffing shortages of up to 50 percent over the next decade, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has unveiled a new advertising campaign to it hopes will raise awareness of this serious problem throughout the country. 

"Congress and the FAA need to address the staffing crisis now, before it's too late," said NATCA President John Carr. "We need to start hiring 1,000 new controllers a year to keep up with the coming shortage. It takes three to five years to train a new controller, and not everyone makes the cut. Fewer eyes on the skies will mean delays, congestion or worse."

Air traffic controllers across the country have been holding press conferences to discuss the existing and looming staffing shortages at our nation's towers, approach control facilities and en route centers. Congress is currently considering legislation to begin the hiring and training process, but the severity of the shortage will take years to address.

FMI: www.natca.org/mediacenter/ads.msp