| 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 ..." |
> 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.