FAA Academy Reaches Record 550 Students in Air Traffic Controller Training

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy is set to train the highest number of air traffic control students in its history this month, with enrollment reaching 550. This surge marks a nearly 30% expansion in onsite Academy training since the "supercharge" initiative was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The increased capacity is a key component of the FAA's strategy to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.

Secretary Duffy highlighted the milestone, stating in a recent social media post, "Since my supercharge announcement, the @FAANews has expanded onsite Academy training for controllers by nearly 30%. And now the Academy will see the HIGHEST number of students in training in FAA HISTORY this month! Being an air traffic controller is one of the MOST REWARDING careers. Here’s to the next generation helping secure our skies🇺🇸!" This initiative aims to streamline the hiring pipeline and accelerate the entry of qualified candidates into the workforce.

The "supercharge" plan, launched earlier this year, includes several measures designed to attract and retain air traffic controllers. Among these are a 30% increase in starting salaries for Academy students, bringing the hourly rate for trainees from $17.61 to $22.61, and financial incentives for graduates and new hires, including bonuses of up to $10,000 for those assigned to hard-to-staff facilities. The FAA has also reduced the hiring process from eight steps to five, significantly cutting the time from application to Academy admission.

The FAA currently faces a deficit of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers. The agency is on track to hire at least 2,000 controllers this year, a critical step towards closing this gap within the next three to four years. Beyond the Academy, the FAA is expanding its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs, partnering with universities to provide accelerated training and allow students to bypass some initial Academy requirements.

Despite the rigorous training, which includes a 35% washout rate at the Academy, the FAA is committed to maintaining high safety standards. The push to bolster the controller workforce is seen as essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system, which manages over 85,000 flights daily. This record enrollment signifies a significant effort to build a robust and well-trained next generation of air traffic controllers.