U.S. Aviation Soars as Secretary Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration Unleash a Powerful Air Traffic Controller Hiring Drive

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has unveiled an ambitious initiative to accelerate the recruitment of air traffic controllers. The announcement follows his visit to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, where he engaged with FAA officials and academy students to emphasize the essential role of air traffic controllers in ensuring aviation safety.

This enhanced hiring initiative aims to attract top talent from across the country, strengthening the aviation safety workforce and reinforcing the nation’s air traffic management system.

“Today’s visit reaffirmed how being an air traffic controller is one of the best, most rewarding jobs in America, and that the next generation at the Academy is the best in the world. I witnessed firsthand the dedication, skill, and rigor that our future air traffic controllers bring to their training and the urgent need to do all that we can to recruit more people to join in our shared mission of safety in our skies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “This staffing shortage has been a known challenge for over a decade, and this administration is committed to solving it. The new streamlined hiring process is just the first step to deliver on President Trump’s agenda to prioritize the American people’s safety and modernize the federal government.”

Expanded Plan to Boost Air Traffic Controller Hiring

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching an expanded hiring initiative to attract top talent into the air traffic control profession. The application window will open from Thursday, February 27, to March 17, with a more streamlined and cost-effective process designed to encourage participation from the nation’s best and brightest.

In alignment with President Trump’s commitment to aviation safety, the initiative includes:

Merit-Based Recruitment: The FAA will prioritize candidates who achieve the highest “Well Qualified” score on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment Test (ATSA), ensuring that the most capable individuals advance.
Competitive Salaries: Starting salaries for Academy candidates will increase by 30%, making the profession more financially attractive.
Lucrative Career Growth: Certified professional controllers earn an average salary exceeding $160,000 within three years of Academy graduation.
Faster Hiring Process: The FAA is reducing its hiring process from eight steps to five, cutting more than four months off the previous timeline.
Efficient Training & Placement: Successful candidates will undergo Academy training before being assigned to air traffic control towers or other facilities nationwide, where they will work alongside experienced controllers to earn their certification.