DOT unveils plan to boost air traffic controller numbers

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The U.S. Department of Transportation says they have a new plan, and are on track to hire 2,000 additional air traffic controllers by the end of the year.

“We’re about three thousand air traffic controllers short right now,” DOT Secretary Sean Duffy said Thursday.

The Trump istration already boosted pay for academy trainees by 30% in March.

Now, the Federal Aviation istration plans to to offer $5,000 and $10,000 rewards to recent graduates when they reach certain milestones.

“Incentivizing them to stick through the process, go through graduation, and then start the work of becoming a certified air traffic controller,” Duffy said.

The istration also plans to offer incentives to keep experienced controllers from retiring and increase opportunities for veteran military controllers.

“I don’t want them to go take a different job, I want them to come in and continue the skills that they have learned in the military,” Duffy said. “Continue to use those skills in the civilian airspace.”

The FAA’s plan includes expanding the list of qualified training facilities, instructors, and establishing a new learning center at the Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City.

“A great job, paying you well over $100,000 very quickly into your certification, air traffic control is a great place,” Duffy said. “We’re looking to hire.”

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