Air traffic controller informs lawmakers he’s driving for deliveries to cover his daughter’s college fees during the shutdown
During a recent NewsNation City Hall event, air traffic controllers expressed their struggles to lawmakers as the government shutdown stretches into its third week. One controller, identifying himself as Jack Chris from Dallas, Texas, shared that he has been with the Federal Aviation Administration for 16 years. Chris recounted his experiences during previous shutdowns, saying, […]
Duffy: Shutdown creating ‘ripple effect’ in air traffic controller shortage
On Tuesday, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the “ripple effect” that government shutdowns are having on the shortage of air traffic controllers. Duffy noted that, although the number of air traffic controllers has increased by 20%, the ongoing shutdown risks losing essential training support. “But one of the issues is the shutdown affecting the academy […]
Trump administration blames Buttigieg for inflating air traffic controller statistics
The Department of Transportation under the Trump administration has upped the requirements for aspiring air traffic controllers, claiming this change will help reduce the number of candidates who don’t finish the program. In contrast, officials argue that the Biden administration’s earlier decision to lower these standards during its initial term only led to more turnover […]
French controller removed from duty for shouting ‘Free Palestine’ to Israeli pilots
French air traffic controllers have reportedly faced suspension after they expressed “free Palestine” while communicating with a pilot from El Al, an Israeli airline. This incident took place shortly after the flight took off from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport. An El Al spokesperson described the remarks as “unprofessional and inappropriate,” categorizing the situation as […]
Biden administration eliminated ‘best-qualified’ criteria for air traffic controller academy, documents reveal
The Biden administration has made a quiet change regarding the qualifications for air traffic controller candidates. In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has removed the stringent “best-qualified” criteria that previously required candidates to score at least 85% on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam. Instead, they introduced a new threshold of 80%. Transport […]
DOT leader Sean Duffy accuses former chief Pete Buttigieg of compromising air traffic controller standards in shocking statement during ‘Pod Force One’ appearance.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, for allegedly lowering the standards for air traffic control candidates, which has resulted in rising dropout rates at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Officially, candidates scoring over 85% on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exams are deemed eligible, with those achieving 90% or […]
FAA plans to boost air traffic controller recruitment on Long Island; aims for 9,000 additional hires across the country
FAA Launches New Recruitment Initiative for Air Traffic Controllers Washington – This week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced a new application portal aimed at boosting recruitment efforts for air traffic control positions, particularly on Long Island. The goal is to hire nearly 9,000 controllers nationwide by the end of 2028. The New York Terminal […]
Air traffic controller did not alert aircraft prior to DC crash that resulted in 67 fatalities
Investigation into DC Plane Crash Highlights Communication Failures In January, a tragic incident in Washington, DC, resulted in the death of 67 people when an Army helicopter collided with a commercial aircraft. Recently, federal aviation officials revealed that air traffic controllers did not inform the plane’s crew about the helicopter’s proximity before the crash. This […]
FAA collaborates with university in the South to address air traffic controller shortage
Aviation Expert Highlights FAA Challenges Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, shared insights into the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) outdated systems during an interview with Fox News Digital. He emphasized the issues behind power outages at Newark Liberty International Airport. Recently, the FAA entered an agreement with the University of Georgia aimed at enhancing […]
LA taxpayers will cover $32 million for expenses related to anti-ICE protests, controller discloses
Costs of LA Protest Reach $32 Million A recent anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles has resulted in significant financial fallout, with a reported cost of $32 million for taxpayers, as outlined in a report from the city’s budget director. Controller Kenneth Mejia shared these figures on social media, highlighting expenses related to emergency services, cleanup […]