U.S. DOT Watchdog Launches Probe into Controller Training | Aviation International News

U.S. DOT Watchdog Launches Probe into Controller Training

FAA is facing high washout rate alongside capacity contraints

An FAA air traffic controller scans surface from the tower at Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C. (Photo: Bill Carey)

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

February 10, 2026

Concerned about the washout rates of air traffic controller trainees, the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) is kicking off an audit of the FAA’s controller hiring and training. The OIG audit comes as the DOT and FAA have undertaken efforts to “supercharge” hiring to bring 8,900 new controllers on board by 2028.

When the initial hiring push closed in March, the campaign had drawn more than 10,000 applicants. Of those, more than 8,300 were referred for initial testing, resulting in 600 entering the FAA training academy at one time, “the largest number in history,” the OIG noted.

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