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by gumball-amp 501 days ago
Unfortunately, there's a long-standing scandal and lawsuit around the ATC and its hiring practices that will inevitably play into the analysis of this tragedy -- details here: https://www.tracingwoodgrains.com/p/the-faas-hiring-scandal-...

I can well believe it has absolutely nothing to do with this disaster, but I don't think either political side has any interest in arguing over the fine points of that distinction.
2 comments
cutemonster 501 days ago
Is this for real: (questions for becoming an ATC, linked from the article you liked. It's so weird so I'm not sure)

https://kaisoapbox.com/projects/faa_biographical_assessment/

The questions are mind-blowing. And:

> In the present day, there is a critical shortage of ATCs, with the FAA having 1,000 fewer ATCs in 2023 than it did in 2012.

If that's how they were hiring (although they don't do today), I could understand if that has a bit contributed to fewer ATCs today.

Seems it is for real: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jan/30/faa-diversi...

"... In 2013, the FAA started using a “biographical assessment” to increase the hiring of preferred minority racial groups at air traffic control centers. The assessment asked applicants about their participation in school sports and the age at which they started earning money."

"The assessment disqualified more experienced, qualified applicants ..."

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1659447091 501 days ago
>> In the present day, there is a critical shortage of ATCs, with the FAA having 1,000 fewer ATCs in 2023 than it did in 2012.

> If that's how they were hiring (although they don't do today), I could understand if that has a bit contributed to fewer ATCs today.

The shortage is that they have not been able to quickly replace all of the personnel that took early retirement options during COVID, while also stopping the hiring & training for an extended period during that time.

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recursive 501 days ago
Wow, I hadn't heard about that. It seems the FAA inserted themselves into the culture wars. I take it all back. Every single thing is now based on identity politics.
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