Process From Selection To Organizational Structure Reviewed By
Panel
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt has rolled out a set of
recommendations from an independent panel on how to improve all
aspects of an air traffic controller’s experience at the FAA,
including hiring, training, placement and career development.
“Our air traffic controllers do a phenomenal job every day
helping passengers reach their destinations safely,”
Administrator Babbitt said announcing the release Monday. “As
we move towards NextGen, we need to make sure that our controllers
are getting the best training possible. This report shows us we are
doing a great job, but there are things we can and will do
better.”
The panel reviewed the FAA’s process for selecting air
traffic controllers, the academy training program, collegiate
training initiative programs, controller selection and placement in
air traffic facilities, on-the-job training, air traffic controller
professional standards, and the FAA organizational structure that
oversees controller training and placement.
The FAA is currently reviewing the panel’s nearly 50
recommendations and is developing an action plan for addressing
them.
Some of the recommendations include:
- Conduct more stringent evaluation and tracking of the
curriculum used at collegiate air traffic control training programs
around the country.
- Develop a standardized “advanced” training course
controllers are required to take before they are sent to their
permanent field facility to ensure that every controller arrives
with the same set of skills.
- Establish a yearly refresher training course for senior
controllers who serve as field instructors for new
controllers.
- Create mobile simulator labs to ensure that controllers in
smaller facilities have equal access to simulator training
technology.
Administrator Babbitt commissioned the independent review panel
this spring as part of the FAA and the National Air Traffic
Controllers Association’s (NATCA) Call to Action on air
traffic controller safety and professionalism.
The members of the panel were: Michael Barr, University of
Southern California Aviation, Safety & Security program; Dr.
Tim Brady, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Garth Koleszar,
NATCA; Dr. Michael New, Aveos Fleet Performance, Inc; and Dr. Julia
Pounds, FAA. The panel will submit a report to FAA Administrator
Babbitt this fall.