Hiring supercharge for air traffic controllers at FAA Academy
March 4, 2025
US transportation secretary Sean Duffy has revealed plans to supercharge the hiring of air traffic controllers to bring more of America’s “best and brightest” into the aviation safety community.
The announcement of a “hiring supercharge” marks a U-turn on the Trump administration’s wave of dismissals within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in February, when hundreds of probationary employees responsible for maintaining critical air traffic systems were let go.
Efficient, affordable application process
The FAA’s current hiring window for air traffic controllers will close on 17 March, having opened on 27 February. According to the FAA the application process for training is “more efficient” and “more affordable”.
The move also follows a tour by Duffy of the FAA’s Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center during which he met with FAA officials and academy students, who highlighted the critical role air traffic controllers play in ensuring safe, secure operations.
Reflecting on his visit Duffy said it “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.”
He added that he had “witnessed firsthand the dedication, skill and rigour 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.”
Addressing staff shortages
Referencing the workforce challenges he said, “the staffing shortage has been a known challenge for over a decade, and this administration is committed to solving it with a new streamlined hiring process.”
Additional steps being implemented by the FAA to “keep Americans safe in aviation”, include raising the bar on safety by recruiting the best and brightest controllers through a merit-based process. The hiring process will also be streamlined by switching from the current 8-step hiring process to a 5-step proves. Meanwhile, starting salaries will increase by 30% for candidates attending the Academy. According to the FAA the average certified professional controller makes over $160,000 per year.
