Cost-Cutting Not Targeting ATC, Engineers, Inspectors

Departures and resignations are surging at the FAA, driven in part by a cost-cutting program implemented under the Trump administration, numbering about 1,200 and accounting for about 3% of the 46,000 employees, but the agency said frontline positions such as air traffic controllers, engineers, and inspectors are not part of the program and the cuts do not affect them.

Some have raised concerns because the cuts are taking place at a time when the agency is under higher pressure and scrutiny following a spate of accidents and incidents including the mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.

There are internal concerns as well, with experienced personnel being lost that may impact important functions like issuing airworthiness directives, processing pilot medical clearances, managing runway safety, and regulating commercial space launches.

However, a spokeswoman for the FAA said the resignations have not disrupted those core functions, and that the agency can hire new talent, saying, “We are refreshing an organization that is built for the future.”

Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy responded by saying the FAA is actively hiring more controllers and also seeking a higher level of funding from Congress while offering new pay incentives to retain and attract new air traffic controllers.

The agency said, “We have a deep reserve of experienced talent, and we ensure orderly transitions by continuously training people to move up and assume leadership roles. We are confident in our ability to continue safe operations and perform the job the American public expects us to do.”

FMI:  www.faa.gov/