Overview
- The FAA’s new budget request seeks $95.4 million to bring in 2,300 trainee controllers.
- The agency says it is about 3,500 certified controllers short of targets, with many working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.
- The plan includes $39 million to boost aviation safety oversight and regulate the growing commercial space launch sector.
- Training remains a weak link as the USDOT inspector general probes high washout rates and the FAA cites losing 400 to 500 trainees during last fall’s shutdown.
- To keep veteran talent and attract recruits, the FAA raised starting pay by 30 percent, offers lump-sum bonuses to some retirement-eligible controllers, and cut months from its hiring timeline.