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The Trump administration is speeding up efforts to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
Earlier this year, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced a job push. 2,000 new controllers By the end of the year.
Academy students practice movement tracking at the FAA’s Academy radar simulation lab in Oklahoma City. (Sarah Allegle)
Within the Federal Aviation Administration’s Oklahoma City training site, there is cutting-edge simulation technology that will really make trainees feel working in the tower.
To keep the sky safe, the FAA must transform
According to the FAA, the technology reduces the time required to authenticate for several weeks. Currently, federal aviation officials say they are on track to achieve their 2,000 new controller goals by mid-September.
The 360-degree tower simulator replicates real airport conditions and helps future controllers build confidence and speed. (Sarah Allegle)
“It’s not natural for people to key and tell an aircraft to do something… it’s learning the phrase,” explained Chris Wilbanks, FAA’s vice president of mission support. “We’re making sure the pilot fully understands the instructions you gave him.”
FAA partners with universities to address the nationwide controller shortage
Each trainee will start with a 30-day basic course, followed by six to eight weeks of specialized training in both the tower and radar operations.
“You affect people’s lives,” Wilbanks said.They’re on the plane;They will safely reach their destination. They don’t know who got them there, but that’s you. ”
More air traffic controllers are pushing forward as staffing delays earlier this year at busy airports such as Newark, New Jersey.
“We’ve posted a new simulation in Newark, and there’s a place where there’s a problem. We look at it every day,” Wilbanks said.
Air traffic control students practice radio communication during live simulation exercises. (Sarah Allegle)
Duffy Secretary “Streamlines” the FAA hiring process
To meet the demand, Duffy, Secretary of Transport We launched the SuperCharge initiative earlier this year. Part of the $12.5 billion increase to FAA infrastructure includes $100 million for training.
In July alone, the academy’s training students are the highest in FAA history, with 550 students expected by the end of the month.
The FAA reports that it has been scraped from the management process for more than five months. Students who scored in the top percentile are now placed more quickly at the academy.
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“It will take time to address the nationwide controller shortage, but we are happy to see our SuperCharge initiative taking off. With our new streamlined employment process, the best candidates are starting their air traffic control careers faster.” “We will continue to make significant use of opportunities, both big and small, to break the shortage to keep the sky safe.”
