FAA Hired 1,500 New Air Traffic Controllers in 2023

In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) achieved its goal by hiring 1,500 new air traffic controllers. This initiative is part of the FAA’s efforts to rebuild its workforce and training pipeline following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hiring process begins with candidates attending the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Graduates then relocate to various air traffic control facilities across the country, where they receive further training and certification for specific airspace operations, such as TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) or en route centers. This certification process can take 18 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the airspace.

The FAA currently has around 2,600 controllers in different stages of training, ensuring a steady flow of certified professionals entering the workforce. For 2024, the FAA aims to increase its hiring to 1,800 new controllers, contingent on receiving adequate funding.

This continued recruitment addresses ongoing staffing challenges while preparing the next generation of air traffic controllers to meet increasing air traffic demands.

For more details on the hiring goals and process, you can explore the FAA's official announcement here or additional insights from FAA reports here.