The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to hire 2,000 air traffic controller trainees this year as part of efforts to address ongoing staffing shortages and improve aviation safety. The agency is also stepping up its oversight of Boeing, which has faced significant safety concerns in recent years.
The FAA is currently about 3,500 controllers short of its staffing goals, with the number of controllers down by approximately 10 percent compared to 2012. This shortage has contributed to widespread flight delays and has forced many controllers to work long hours, including six-day weeks and mandatory overtime.
In addition to hiring more controllers, Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau announced the creation of a specialized panel to address safety concerns related to helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft interactions. This decision follows a tragic accident in January, when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet near Washington, D.C.’s Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in 67 deaths.
To prevent similar accidents, the FAA has imposed permanent restrictions on passenger flights operating near helicopters at the airport. The agency is also reviewing air traffic procedures at other major airports after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent safety recommendations earlier this month.
Rocheleau emphasized the FAA’s commitment to improving safety, stating, “We must use data smarter and implement corrective actions effectively.”
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is preparing to ask Congress for tens of billions of dollars to modernize FAA infrastructure, improve facilities, and support the hiring of more air traffic controllers.
Nick Calio, CEO of the aviation industry group Airlines for America (A4A), expressed support for the efforts, telling local radio station WMAL-AM, “We are encouraged by Secretary Duffy and President Trump’s actions to increase air traffic controller hiring, modernize outdated systems, and secure full funding for FAA facilities.”
The FAA is also increasing its scrutiny of Boeing, which has faced significant public backlash following a series of accidents and safety issues. Rocheleau confirmed that the FAA’s oversight includes Boeing’s manufacturing practices, maintenance procedures, and software updates.
Boeing’s troubles have intensified in recent years, leading former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to impose a cap on Boeing’s monthly production of aircraft, limiting it to 38 planes. This cap remains in place following a mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is scheduled to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee next week, but the company has yet to comment on Rocheleau’s testimony.
Related topics:
- Julia Travel Unveils Pre-Sale for Exclusive Small Group Journeys
- Kings Dominion Announces Opening Date for World’s Tallest and Longest Wing Coaster
- Delta Air Lines to Launch New Nonstop Flight to Kona, Hawaii in December
