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Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has today announced that the latest air traffic controller hiring window will open at midnight on Friday, April 17. Only a small percentage of applicants make it all the way through to the FAA Academy and eventually into a career as an air traffic controller.
For this year’s recruitment campaign, the U.S. Department of Transportation will look at innovative communication styles, and a lean towards gaming and the demographic of young adults that could be cut out for one of the most dynamic and unique jobs in the world. President Donald Trump has been right behind this, with the media release noting that there has been the ‘highest controller staffing in the last six years’.
The FAA Has A New Campaign To Attract The Next Generation Of Air Traffic Controllers
With the aviation industry booming, and the FAA struggling to maintain consistently safe staffing levels, the department this year is hoping that this new style of approach that will focus on gaming will appeal to the younger demographics that may have the skills to make it into the control seat.
As part of the new campaign, there are several key attributes the department will be looking for, which include demonstrated high cognitive functions, spatial awareness, the ability to multitask, and being strategically and problem-solving minded. There is no need to previously hold a college degree; instead, the focus is on gaming as an influence on their ability to think quickly, manage complex situations, and remain focused at all times. Duffy explains:
“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt. This campaign’s innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller.”
Three Years In The Field Can Lead To A Six-Figure Salary
The air traffic controller shortage has been an uphill battle for Duffy since day one in the secretary role. In the last six years, the FAA has seen more than 11,000 controllers in active service, with another 4,000 trainees in the national pipeline. There were 20% more controllers hired between January and September last year, with a shorter hiring process seeing at least five months shaved off the usual timeframe.
To become an air traffic controller, applicants must pass several stringent tests that challenge individuals physically and mentally, and those fortunate enough to make it to the FAA Academy and eventually graduate can see themselves working to a six-figure salary after just three years in the field.
This year, successful applicants will expect to see their career begin as an air traffic controller quicker than ever before, with a more streamlined hiring process. This was made possible by the FAA relocating applicants to its ATC academy in Oklahoma City four times faster, in addition to 15% more instructors available to train the next generation of controllers.
Federal Aviation Administration’s Crippling Shortage Risks Mass Flight Delays & Safety Crisis
More than 5,100 accidents had a narrative that air traffic control was a factor or probable cause.
Every Seat Filled Last Year At The FAA Academy
During this hiring window, the FAA is expected to receive around 8,000 applications. Last year, the Academy was able to almost fill every available position. The FAA has already hit its 50% target for the fiscal year, with more than 1,200 controllers onboarded to date.
A number of the key requirements to become an air traffic controller in the United States are that you must be a citizen of the U.S, under the age of 31, and be able to speak English fluently and articulate clearly so that it can be understood over various communication channels.
You can apply to become a controller via USAJobs, and then the steps to become a controller include an aptitude exam, medical and security clearance, several months of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City (which is paid while learning and includes hands-on simulation), and then on the job experience which can include nationwide placement, and various shift assignments.
