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The Trump administration is accelerating efforts to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
Earlier this year, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced his hiring efforts 2,000 new controllers By the end of the year.
A college student practices tracking motion in the radar simulation laboratory of FAA College in Oklahoma City. (Sarah Alegre)
Within the Federal Aviation Administration’s Oklahoma City training location, there are cutting-edge simulations that give trainees a real feel to work in the tower.
To ensure the safety of the sky, FAA needs a makeover
According to the FAA, the technology reduces the weeks it takes to certify. Now, federal aviation officials say they are expected to achieve their goal of 2,000 new controllers by mid-September.
The 360-degree tower simulator recreates the real-world airport conditions, helping future controllers build confidence and speed. (Sarah Alegre)
“Release the plane and telling the plane to do something is not natural for people … it’s learning this wording,” explains Chris Wilbanks, vice president of mission support at FAA. “It’s making sure the pilot fully understands the instructions you just gave him.”
FAA and university partners to address controller shortages nationwide
Each student started with a 30-day basic course and then went through 6 to 8 weeks of professional training in tower and radar operations.
“Wilbanks said.They got on the plane;They arrive at their destination safely. They don’t know who put them there, but it’s you. ”
More air traffic controllers have been added as staff shortages resulted in delays caused by busy airports such as Newark, New Jersey earlier this year.
“We just did a brand new simulation in Newark…we did have problems there. We were following it every day,” Wilbanks said.
Air Traffic Control students practice radio communications in real-time simulation exercises. (Sarah Alegre)
Secretary Duffy
To meet the needs, Transport Secretary Duffy The “Pulse Plan” was launched earlier this year. Part of the $12.5 billion increase in FAA infrastructure includes $100 million in training.
In July alone, the largest number of college students has been seen in FAA history, with an estimated 550 students by the end of this month.
The FAA reported that it has shaved the administrative process for more than five months. Students who scored in the highest percentile are now entering the college faster.
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“Solve the national controller shortage, but I’m happy to see our Supercharge initiative taking off. The best and smart candidates are starting air traffic accidents faster as our new streamlined recruitment process,” said Sean P. Duffy, Secretary General of the Department of Transportation. “We will continue to take advantage of opportunities that are large and small to keep disappearing in the shortage to ensure our sky is safe.”
