U.S. DOT Watchdog Launches Probe into Controller Training

Concerned about the washout rates of air traffic controller trainees, the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) is kicking off an audit of the FAA’s controller hiring and training. The OIG audit comes as the DOT and FAA have undertaken efforts to “supercharge” hiring to bring 8,900 new controllers on board by 2028.

When the initial hiring push closed in March, the campaign had drawn more than 10,000 applicants. Of those, more than 8,300 were referred for initial testing, resulting in 600 entering the FAA training academy at one time, “the largest number in history,” the OIG noted.

However, the OIG added that despite these ambitious plans, “Factors such as attrition, retirements, and program washouts are severely impacting the overall success of increasing the number of certified controllers.” In addition, the academy is facing a shortage of qualified instructors, capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high failure rates, the watchdog continued. In fiscal year 2024, that failure rate topped 30% for trainees.

“Given the importance of increasing the number of certified controllers to safely manage the NAS, we are initiating this audit,” the OIG said. The probe will look at the FAA’s efforts to address instructor shortages, training capacity limitations, and failure rates. In addition, the OIG will monitor progress in updating the training program curriculum.