Transportation Watchdog Finds Planning Lacking To Address ATC Staffing Shortages

DOT IG Finds Planning Lacking To Address ATC Staffing

NATCA is calling on the FAA to take action to address ATC staffing shortfall, noting latest DOT IG report finds a lack of planning on the issue.

Controller at Dulles International Airport (Photo: Bill Carey) — FAA controller staff reached 14,000 this year with the hiring of 1,800 in fiscal year 2024. © Bill Carey/AIN

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

June 27, 2023

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) stepped up its call for the FAA to fully staff air traffic control (ATC) facilities, citing a recent Transportation Inspector General Report that found that the agency lacks a plan to address shortages.

The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s (DOT OIG) report, “FAA Faces Controller Staffing Challenges as Air Traffic Operations Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels at Critical Facilities,” found that “the lack of fully certified controllers, operational supervisors, and traffic management coordinators pose a potential risk to air traffic operations.” DOT found that managers it interviewed at 16 of 17 facilities felt their locations were not adequately staffed. Many controllers have been working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages. It further said the FAA has made “limited efforts” to ensure adequate controller staffing and that it lacks a plan to address the issues.

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