FAA Initiates Measures in Response to Independent Safety Review Team’s Recommendations

Monday, November 20, 2023

The Federal Aviation Administration is promptly implementing measures to improve air traffic controller training and safety reporting in response to the findings of the National Airspace System Safety Review Team report.

Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that the aviation industry’s commitment to safety is ongoing, and they are constantly exploring avenues for improvement. He adds, “The independent safety review team made some excellent recommendations and we are adopting some of them immediately.”

An independent safety review team conducted a comprehensive assessment, offering recommendations this week to improve safety and reliability in the United States’ air traffic system. The team scrutinized internal safety processes, staffing levels, practices, facility and equipment needs, and the funding structure of the FAA’s air traffic budget.

The FAA is taking immediate action on the following items:

• The FAA will offer extra assistance to colleges and universities participating in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the essential skills for on-the-job training at a facility. While these graduates still need to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and fulfill medical and security criteria, the previous requirement for them to attend the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy before facility assignment will be eliminated.

• The FAA has introduced a year-round hiring track for experienced controllers from the military and private industry.

• The FAA aims to keep filling every seat at the FAA Academy and increase classroom capacity beyond current limits.

• The FAA plans to expand the use of advanced training across the country, utilizing new facilities in Chicago and San Diego, with additional locations in Nashua and Phoenix set to be added in the spring..

• The FAA aims to expand the use of advanced training across the country, leveraging new facilities in Chicago and San Diego, with plans to add additional locations in Nashua and Phoenix in the spring.

• To enhance the safety culture, the FAA will provide reports from the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service to the FAA Administrator and Aviation Safety Associate Administrator.

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