Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said on Thursday it would implement a plan to create an “overcharge” air traffic controller staffing amid the shortage.
“This staffing shortage has been a known issue for over a decade, and the administration is working to resolve it,” Duffy said in a statement, saying that his position requires “skills” and “strictness.”
He said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will increase the number of candidates who go to the FAA Academy to the air traffic controller position, reducing the current eight-stage hiring process to a five-stage hiring process.
The new method removes over four months from the old process.
“The new streamlined employment process is just the first step to implementing President Trump's agenda to prioritize American safety and modernize the federal government,” Duffy said.
His comments follow several aviation accidents, including a fatal air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport in late January, a crash of a medical plane in Philadelphia, and especially the disappearance of an Alaska aircraft found on sea ice in early February.
The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association flagged concerns with low staff after a string of crashes and near misses at the local airport.
“It's a tough training process. Nick Daniels isn't like going out today and hiring 3,600 during his February CNN appearance.
“It takes a controller to conditionally qualify and enter the job. There are multiple points that can fail as an air traffic controller. From the academy to local simulation training, you will ultimately talk to the aircraft yourself.”
Despite the shortage, the FAA was ordered to cut probation workers along with other federal agencies supported by Duffy.
But Elon Musk, who helped oversee the layoffs ordered by government efficiency, encouraged retired air traffic controllers to return to work Thursday.
“There's a shortage of top air traffic controllers. If you've retired but are accepting to return to work, consider doing so,” Musk wrote in a post on Social Platform X.
The Trump administration said it would prioritize discussions with Congressional leaders to promote laws that allow overhaul of the country's aviation safety system following a fatal incident.
