Little Apple Times

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann has introduced the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. The legislation was presented alongside Representatives Nick Begich, Greg Stanton, and Maggie Goodlander.

The bill seeks to strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), enhance recruitment and retention incentives, fund tower simulator systems, and provide mental health support for air traffic controllers. These measures are intended to mitigate one of the most significant safety risks currently affecting U.S. airspace.

Representative Mann highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong talent pipeline for air traffic controllers: "Failure to support a robust talent pipeline to protect our skies puts the future of aviation reliability and the passenger experience at risk."

Representative Begich emphasized the essential role of air travel in Alaska, stating that this act is "a commonsense solution to a national challenge" by investing in training and supporting highly skilled professionals.

According to Representative Stanton, staffing shortages have long been a concern: “The bipartisan Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act is an overdue investment in the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified controllers.”

Representative Goodlander expressed her commitment to improving conditions for air traffic controllers: “They cannot do their jobs without our support.”

The FAA currently employs 2,300 fewer Certified Professional Controllers than necessary, resulting in mandatory overtime that increases fatigue and error risks. This new legislation aims to expand workforce pipelines and improve training facilities across the country.