Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says one of the most effective ways to combat the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers is by incentivizing those nearing retirement to remain on the job longer through financial bonuses.
Speaking with CBS News, Duffy emphasized that addressing the shortfall in controllers won’t happen overnight, but a major element of the strategy is retaining veteran staff.
“I think what is key, we have offered a bonus to air traffic controllers who are eligible to retire. We are going to pay them 20% bonus on their salary to stay longer. Don’t retire,” Duffy continued. “So as we bring more air traffic controllers in, and keep the older, experienced controllers, we’re going to be able to make up that difference.”
Still, Duffy acknowledged that resolving the staffing crisis would be a gradual process that could extend over many months or even years.
For years, the nation’s air traffic control network has struggled under the weight of long-standing personnel shortages, outdated systems, and insufficient upgrades to essential infrastructure.
Back in February, Duffy rolled out a new set of measures intended to aggressively expand and strengthen the controller workforce, describing it as a plan to “supercharge the air traffic controller workforce.”
That plan was introduced just days after a devastating midair crash involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter on January 29, which claimed the lives of all 64 people aboard the plane and the helicopter’s three crew members.
More recently, concerns about the fragility of the system have intensified, especially after two consecutive air traffic control failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, a key transportation hub.
To help mitigate these challenges, the FAA recently announced an expansion of its Tower Simulation Systems, which are now being deployed across more locations nationwide. These high-tech simulators are designed to accelerate certification, lower costs, and give trainees hands-on experience with intricate airport layouts, safety procedures, and standardized communications.
This initiative complements other efforts Duffy is spearheading to boost recruitment. These include creating more pathways for former military air traffic personnel, broadening the pool of eligible facilities, and giving bonuses to both new graduates and recruits who reach crucial milestones in their training.
The agency is also planning to provide incentives for those willing to work at particularly challenging locations and aims to shorten delays in medical and security clearances, which currently can sideline candidates for a year or more.
As part of a broader training overhaul, the FAA is increasing its instructional staff and building a new Learning Center at the Air Traffic Controller Academy located in Oklahoma City. Duffy has also overhauled the hiring protocol, trimming what was previously an eight-step process down to five steps.
In light of the repeated disruptions at Newark, Duffy and acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau have introduced a set of immediate corrective actions to stabilize operations at the airport and prevent further breakdowns.
{Matzav.com}