U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on Feb. 24 introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would ensure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers, who choose to continue to work after the mandatory FAA retirement age of 56, can help the nation meet staffing needs at contract towers without losing their retirement benefits.
“Small airports across the nation use contract towers to keep our airways safe, but are facing difficulties recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers,” said Rep. Davis. “This legislation will address this problem by allowing retired controllers to receive their full Social Security annuity payment while working at contract towers.”
Rep. Davis led a bipartisan contingent of 16 other cosponsors to introduce the Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers (CONTRACT) Act of 2021, H.R. 1283, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA). U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) the same day introduced the U.S. Senate version, S. 419, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and 41 other cosponsors.
Federal contract towers face a unique challenge to hiring trained and well-qualified retired FAA controllers, according to Rep. Davis’ office, because FAA air traffic controllers are one of several federal employee groups having a mandated retirement age of 56 years and are penalized for continuing to work as controllers at federal contract towers.
If enacted, the measure would provide for a full annuity supplement for such air traffic controllers, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“Ensuring contract towers are adequately staffed is critical to their ability to maintain safety and continue operations,” Rep. Davis said last week. “Additionally, these rural and suburban airports are often integral parts of the local economy and any reduction in controller capacity could have a negative economic impact.”
Sen. Moran added that regional economies across Kansas rely on the aviation industry and contract towers, which he said play an important role in making certain that air travel remains safe.
“This legislation removes an unnecessary hiring barrier and financial disincentive for air traffic controllers who have retired from the FAA, providing a simple and sensible solution to ensuring we have highly-skilled and experienced controllers working at federal contract towers and keeping skies safe across the country,” the senator said.
The bill is supported by the U.S. Contract Tower Association, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.