Senators Call for Increased FAA Funding and Staffing

By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two U.S. senators have called for enhanced funding and staffing for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control. This request follows a fatal midair collision in Washington, D.C., last month that highlighted the ongoing shortage of aviation safety personnel.

In a letter, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D) and John Hoeven (R) urged the FAA to collaborate with Congress to boost funding, modernize facilities and equipment, and expand the capacity of the FAA training academy.

The tragic incident on January 29, where an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter, resulted in 67 fatalities and marked the deadliest air disaster in the U.S. in over two decades.

“For the sake of America’s traveling public, we can and must do better,” the senators stated, emphasizing the need to reinforce the air traffic controller workforce and prevent further tragedies.

According to the senators, the FAA is currently over 3,500 air traffic controllers short of its staffing targets, with almost all control towers facing shortages. Since 2012, staffing levels for FAA controllers have remained relatively stagnant and are currently down by 10%.

At Reagan National Airport, the control tower has only 25 fully-certified controllers, below the target of 30. The senators noted that controllers often work 6-day weeks and 10-hour days, leading to fatigue and stress that could worsen unless significant actions are taken.

The FAA did not respond immediately to a request for comment. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated last week that he is reconsidering rules allowing air traffic control supervisors to reduce staffing levels prior to the collision. He noted that two positions were consolidated before the crash.

Duffy assured that steps would be taken to ensure safer flight management, mentioning that the FAA is currently using outdated technology and that he plans to announce measures to enhance air traffic control training and attract applicants. He also suggested potential incentives for controllers nearing retirement age or possibly extending the mandatory retirement age, currently at 56.