Both Aimed At Strengthening ATC Workforce, Modernize System

The National Business Aviation Association praised a bipartisan U.S. Senate bill that would  increase the number of air traffic controllers and improve aviation safety, introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

The bill would authorize funding for training that will enlarge the ATC workforce and also incentivize retention, give the FAA more resources for training technology, and have the agency provide more mental health support for controllers.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA said, “Our air traffic control system is the safest and most efficient in the world, but ensuring it is ready to meet the needs of all stakeholders in the future will require a workforce that is empowered and prepared. This bill is an investment in aviation safety. We applaud Sens. Hoeven, Moran and Shaheen for their leadership, and we urge Congress to pass this bill promptly.”

Some specifics of the legislation include:

• Provide $20 million per year in grants for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) to give universities more funding for curriculum, simulators and faculty
• Require the FAA to develop ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs
• Allow the agency to purchase Tower Simulator Systems to help certify ATC trainees
• Increase mental health specialists and support available to the ATC workforce

In addition, the NBAA praised Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s plan to increase the number of air traffic controllers to enhance safety. Duffy said the FAA would begin an effort to “supercharge” the certification and hiring of controllers to reduce staffing shortages.

Bolen said, “The United States is the world leader in aviation safety, and we thank Secretary Duffy for this focused plan to ensure we have the air traffic controllers needed to bolster the controller workforce, and enhance the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace.”

Last week, the NBAA joined with a broad coalition of 33 other aviation groups in a letter urging Congress to fund improvements in the hiring process for air traffic controllers and to modernize the system to enhance safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.

FMI:  nbaa.org/