Changes in Air Traffic Controller Hiring Standards
The Biden administration has made significant changes to the hiring process for air traffic controllers, adjusting the testing thresholds that determine which candidates are eligible for training. According to an internal document reviewed by a major news outlet, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) removed the previous “best qualified” tier, which required a score of 85% or higher on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam. Instead, they introduced a new “well qualified” threshold for applicants who scored at least 80%.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently discussed these changes with a reporter, explaining that the adjustment was made to help more candidates enter the FAA training school in Oklahoma City. He mentioned that the previous high standard led to a significant number of candidates failing the program, with a washout rate of over 30%. This high failure rate was attributed to the difficulty of the work, which many candidates could not handle.
Duffy emphasized that since the Trump administration took office, the FAA has been able to admit the highest-scoring candidates first. He noted that once individuals take the entrance exam, they can be admitted to the academy within two months. If a candidate scores 98% or 94%, they would be given top priority as slots become available.
Once air traffic control candidates complete the academy, they can be certified depending on their location. In less busy airspace, it may take about a year for them to be certified.
Under Duffy’s leadership, the FAA has implemented a revised version of the ATSA grading system. The new system categorizes applicants into four tiers:
- Best-qualified: Scores of 90% or more
- Well-qualified: Scores between 85% and 89%
- Qualified: Scores between 70% and 84%
- Not referred: Scores under 70%
Previously, the Biden administration considered applicants “well-qualified” if they scored 80% or above, “qualified” for scores between 70% and 79.9%, and “not referred” for scores below 70%.
A spokesperson for former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded to these changes, stating that the adjustments to the pre-admission exam had no bearing on the standards for becoming a certified air traffic controller. They criticized the move as a desperate attempt to shift attention from the ongoing workforce shortage.
Buttigieg reiterated that the administration did not lower the standards for becoming a certified air traffic controller. He emphasized that the administration increased funding and training, and expanded the ATC workforce after years of decline, including during the Trump administration.
Duffy also highlighted concerns about the lengthy processing time for applicants. He noted that if someone scores 82% on the test, it might take up to two years to secure a seat in the academy. For a 22-year-old, this delay could lead them to seek employment elsewhere, as they would not want to wait that long.
Since the mid-air collision over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people, the Department of Transportation has been working to address the growing shortage of air traffic controllers. This incident has intensified efforts to hire more controllers.
The FAA plans to hire over 2,000 air traffic controllers this year as part of its workforce expansion strategy. By the end of 2028, the agency expects to have hired a total of 8,900 controllers. These efforts aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air traffic system.
