FAA struggles to hire more air traffic controllers ahead of summer travel

The FAA is on a hiring spree right now as it looks to add more air traffic controllers. There is a nationwide shortage, with two in 10 air traffic controller positions open, which could affect summer travel.

The lack of air traffic controllers is causing some major airlines to reduce their service in what is expected to be a busy summer.

For example, American Airlines plans to cut service at a couple of major airports in New York due to the low number of air traffic controllers in a tower at a radar terminal center in that region. Because of that, delays could increase by 45%.

United and Delta Airlines have also asked the FAA to be allowed to cut up to 10% of their flights.

Currently, airlines are flying 10% fewer flights compared to 2019 before the pandemic.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for guiding planes from a tower during their flights and making sure they are properly separated from other planes that may be airborne.

Some of the basic requirements to apply for the job include:

• be a US citizen

• Be under the age of 31 at the time the application period closes

• Have 3 years of general work experience, 4 years of education leading to a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both

The union representing air traffic controllers said staffing levels have fallen 10% in the past decade.

The push to hire more is not new and was evident at the local level.

Nearly a year ago, the FAA hired 30 new air traffic controllers to the Hillard Center.

Also last year, nationally, the FAA received 58,000 applications, which comes down to 38 applicants for every open position.

The FAA seeks to hire about 3,300 air traffic controllers in the next two years.

The application window opened early Friday morning, but it won’t be open for long.

People can be applied from now until Sunday night to become an air traffic controller.