Training and Workforce
Watchdog Calls for Improved FAA Workforce Plans
FAA’s workforce plans are incomplete, according to the DOT IG
FAA building, Washington DC
The FAA has worked closely with industry to re-register aircraft that were grounded. © AIN archives

The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) is recommending that the FAA improve its safety workforce plans, saying they are too narrow in scope and don’t fully explore trend and development data. 

According to the OIG, the FAA has developed workforce plans for three main safety areas as directed by Congress—air traffic controllers; airway transportation system specialists; and aviation safety specialists in the FSDOs and certification offices. However, the FAA limits those plans to the workforces directed by Congress, so 10,800 positions—about a quarter of its safety workforce—are not counted. These include line and other managers, airport inspectors, and engineers.