U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) recently introduced legislation that would take steps to improve how the FAA hires and staffs air traffic controllers (ATC).
The Air Traffic Controller Hiring Improvement Act, H.R. 5292, introduced by Curbelo and U.S Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), would address a shortage of certified professional controllers within the National Airspace System (NAS) that has reached a 27-year low.
Under the bill, Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) graduates and veterans would be considered in a separate applicant pool for ATC positions than the general public. That provision would enable the FAA to hire CTI graduates and veterans without subjecting them to biographical assessment requirements.
“This bill is a much needed improvement to not only revitalize our ATC system, but to return confidence to Americans who have felt neglected by the current FAA hiring process,” Curbelo said. “By including language to guarantee that CTI graduates and veterans are considered for these jobs, we are ensuring that the most qualified people will fill these vacancies.”
The bill would also encourage the FAA to recruit experienced controllers, including military and Department of Defense civilian controllers, federal contract tower controllers, and controllers with FAA experience.
“I am very pleased that this bill will also encourage the hiring of students graduating from minority-serving institutions, which includes many South Florida institutions that I am honored to represent in Congress,” Curbelo said. “I thank my fellow co-sponsor, Rep. Maloney, for his support in assuring that there is a steady stream of well-trained controllers dedicated to maintaining the utmost safety of the United States air traffic system.”
Maloney said that the bill would keep travel safe and efficient while growing the economy and creating jobs.
“Our bill will make sure our airports are adequately staffed and ensure that the next generation of air traffic controllers are prepared to keep our runways and skies safe for all travelers,” Maloney said.