FAA: ‘Supercharged’ ATC Hiring Plan Refers 8,000 Candidates
In an effort to boost hiring, the agency has raised its starting salary for trainee air traffic controllers by 30 percent.
Control tower staffing levels are below the FAA’s target at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), the site of a fatal midair collision in January. [Courtesy: Shutterstock/TJ Brown]
The FAA announced Friday that five months have been shaved off the old hiring pipeline through efforts to “supercharge” air traffic controller hiring.
According to a news release by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FAA has qualified and referred over 8,320 candidates to the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) aptitude exam since the latest window closed on March 17.
Over 190 candidates have already passed the ATSA and have been moved into the hiring process.
“I’m thrilled to see that early results of air traffic controller [ATC] hiring supercharge were so promising,” said acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau. “By prioritizing a merit-based process, cutting red tape, and increasing starting salaries, we are bringing in the best and brightest across America to help keep our skies secure at record speeds.”
After being cleared, candidates who received the highest score on the ATSA will be given priority for the ATC academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.
The new “streamlined efficiency” has shaved months off the old process, to which the DOT credits Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The FAA has also increased its starting salary for academy trainees by 30 percent. The average certified professional controller pay rate is over $160,000 per year.
After graduating from the academy, candidates will be assigned to one of 313 FAA facilities across the U.S. to work toward their certification with experienced air traffic controllers.
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