FAA Exceeds Controller Hiring Target

A total of 1,811 new hires have signed on, 11 more than the target figure of 1,800. The agency said in a statement that the figure was the highest in nearly 10 years and represents “important progress” toward stemming a decades-long decline in ATC staffing numbers.

“I’m thrilled to announce that we hit this major hiring milestone and have so many talented professionals entering our training program,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. “It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and part of our ongoing work to rebuild the controller workforce.”

Requirements for the job include a commitment to work day, evening and night shifts, as well as weekends and holidays “depending on assigned schedules.” As far as geographical facility assignments, staffing needs will determine placement, which could be anywhere in the U.S., following graduation from the training program in Oklahoma City.

In addition, applicants need to be U.S. citizens, able to speak English clearly, be younger than 31 years old, have at least a year’s work experience or work/education combination, and pass a medical examination, security screening, and a pre-employment skills assessment.

“Being recruiter in chief is one of the most important roles I play at the FAA.” Whitaker said. “We will not rest on the success of this hiring push. We are already thinking about how to meet our goals next year and into the future.”

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.