New crisis for aviation industry as trainer shortage hits air traffic controllers

Source: The Independent

Monday 01 September 2025 13:34 BST


The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a massive new drive for air traffic controller recruits but it doesn't have enough instructors to teach its newcomers. Many of the teachers at the FAA's training facility in Oklahoma City are retired former controllers who are in their mid-60's, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The influx of recruits means teachers are working from 7 a.m. to midnight, with just a $60 daily housing allowance to pay their rent while they teach.

A new labor contract for the teachers has boosted their pay — they now earn around $46 per hour — but that hasn't made their hours any more bearable.

Bloomberg obtained shift schedules and emails from the academy with eight current instructors. The instructors spoke to the publication on the condition of anonymity over fears of reprisal. Most of the instructors at the school are employed by Science Applications International Corp which is a federal contractor.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/faa-air-traffic-controllers-shortage-b2815360.html