Transportation Sec Sean Duffy says FAA systems are ‘antiquated,’ calls for more air traffic controllers

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently highlighted the urgent need for updates to the Federal Aviation Administration’s systems due to recruitment challenges for air traffic controllers. During an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Duffy acknowledged that while America’s skies are the safest globally, improvements are necessary to modernize the FAA’s systems.

Duffy emphasized the importance of upgrading the U.S. aviation system, pointing to the outdated nature of certain systems like the FAA’s pilot warning system, known as the “Notice to Air Mission” (NOTAM) system. He cited a recent outage of the NOTAM system as evidence of the antiquated infrastructure that needs to be addressed.

One of the key challenges facing the FAA is the decline in recruitment of air traffic controllers, partly due to the mandatory retirement age of 55 for controllers. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the issue, causing delays in training new recruits as in-person experience at control towers was limited.

In response to these challenges, Duffy emphasized the importance of training a new generation of air traffic controllers. He stressed the need to prioritize hiring the best and brightest individuals for these critical positions, focusing on merit rather than diversity considerations.

Duffy’s remarks come in the wake of two recent aviation disasters in the U.S., including a collision between a military Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet in Washington, D.C., and a private plane crash in Pennsylvania. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with a particular focus on the communications between the control tower and the aircraft involved in the Washington, D.C., crash.

As the Department of Transportation works to address these issues and enhance the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system, Secretary Duffy remains committed to ensuring that the skies remain the safest in the world. Through targeted upgrades and recruitment efforts, the FAA aims to maintain its reputation for excellence in air travel safety.

Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and breaking news events, contributed to this report. For tips or inquiries, contact Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @Hagstrom_Anders.