US Air Traffic Control Shortages Are Now Causing More Airlines To Cancel Flights

[brooklynite]

Simple Flying

Airlines across the United States are weighing up measures to reduce summer schedules amid an ongoing air traffic control (ATC) personnel shortage.

In March, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released guidance for airlines operating out of New York and Washington DC, raising concerns that the prolonged ATC staff shortages could increase delays by up to 45% during 2023.

Major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue, have all looked to slash operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR) airports in line with the FAA’s requirements to prevent delays and disruptions through the remainder of the busy summer season.

In an interview with CNBC, JetBlue chief executive Robin Hayes confirmed the airline’s decision, noting it as a pre-emptive measure to avoid travel mayhem this year.

[Renew Deal]

1. The age limit to become an air traffic controller is 31.

Last edited Fri Apr 7, 2023, 01:40 PM - Edit history (2)

Why? I have no idea. I know that there is a lot of training involved but 31 is VERY low.

https://www.faa.gov/faq/what-are-age-requirements-individuals-without-previous-air-traffic-control-atc-experience

Fixed link

[MontanaMama]

3. That link is dead.

I’d like to know more about the age limit.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Try This One

https://www.faa.gov/faq/what-are-age-requirements-individuals-without-previous-air-traffic-control-atc-experience#:~:text=Applicants%20who%20do%20not%20have,date%20of%20the%20vacancy%20announcement.
In another FAQ, they claim the training is too rigorous for someone older than 31.
I find that hard to believe.

[Renew Deal]

7. So do I

They might not be able to get the long term time commitment but I doubt even that. 10-15 good years is better than limiting a giant portion of the population that is still figuring out careers.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

8. Mandatory retirement age is 56.

So 36 is the actual limit for those with prior experience in order for them to get the 20 years in for retirement. 31 is the limit for people with no prior experience. FAA says the age limit is because it more difficult for those older to get through the training.

[Renew Deal]

9. I imagine that's because of the salary

But it could also be about finding time for training. I bet there's some things they can do to add 10 years to the ceiling like paying more, spending more time on training, and maybe making promotions more gradual in the lower ranks.

[TheBlackAdder]

2. Hey, if AI is so great, let's turn ATC over to it. Watch how fast people shit bricks about that.

.

Can you imagine this: New York's Lights Out Air Traffic Control Center.



.

[Victor_c3]

10. I was thinking AI would be a great solution too n/t

[Hekate]

4. Thank you so much, Ronald Reagan, who broke the back of the union

He fired all the air traffic controllers at the same time, meaning all the newbies would start at the same time, thus ensuring that decades down the road there would be a massive wave of retirements…

Of course there’s been other crap that’s gone into this mess, but that was an outstanding move.

[RobinA]

5. If For No Other

reason (and there are plenty), I despise the man for that very reason.

[Behind the Aegis]

11. It is a high stress job.

I have brother who worked as one, and decided to retire early. He worked for one of the airports in NYC. I couldn't do it. Of course, I have never been able to get him or any of his ATC buddies to explain to me the oxymoron that is "a near miss". Huh?

[Maru Kitteh]

12. Um, GOOD. Because I don't want to fly without enough of them.

Just like I don't want to be the patient of a nurse at the end of a 14 hour shift caring for 17 people in acute care.


Bad shit happens.