FAA Pushes for Aviation Safety & Air Traffic Control Expansion 

United States: The Acting Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration emphasized <BA.N> regulation at a US Senate panel meeting through testimony while announcing plans to recruit 2,000 new air traffic controller trainees during this year, as reported by Reuters. 

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau announced in written testimony obtained by Reuters that his agency will form a new panel to discover new helicopter and fixed-wing hazard areas. 

The FAA currently operates with a deficit of 3,500 targeted air traffic controllers, and its workforce has decreased by 10% since 2012. 

Addressing Safety Risks After Deadly Collision 

A safety risk management panel was launched after the Army helicopter and American Airlines regional passenger jet collision that took 67 lives near Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29. 

Flights carrying passengers are now required to maintain permanent flight restrictions around helicopter transit areas at the airport. The agency performs a review of traffic procedures at all major airports following urgent safety directives issued by the National Transportation Safety Board this month. 

Thanks to @SecDuffy, our hiring surge of ATCs at the FAA was a success! Over 8,300 applicants referred. We’re well on our way to getting the best and brightest quickly through our Academy and into our ATC facilities. ⁠⁠https://t.co/WpsvqEInlM pic.twitter.com/EUVfs2cdE3

— Chris Rocheleau (@FAA_Chris) March 24, 2025

According to Rocheleau his main priority is to enhance aviation security. 

“We have to identify trends, we have to get smarter about how we use data, and when we put corrective actions in place, we must execute them,” his testimony says. 

Aviation Safety & Boeing Under Scrutiny 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will seek congressional authorization to fund tens of billions of dollars that would refresh antiquated FAA technology while expanding air traffic controller recruitment across FAA facilities. 

Flight delays persist because several facilities operate with controller staffing shortages, forcing personnel to perform seven-day schedules and mandatory overtime work. 

The FAA strictly supervises Boeing in all areas including the continuous review of Boeing’s manufacturing protocols and maintenance operations and software development tasks. 

Duffy stated during this month that Boeing had abandoned any remaining public trust. 

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker from the Joe Biden administration established a 38-plane monthly assembly maximum in January 2024 following a new Alaska Airlines (ALK.N) 737 MAX 9 mid-flight incident, as reported by Reuters. 

Senate Commerce Committee members will hear testimony from Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg at their next session. Boeing representatives refrained from giving any feedback regarding the upcoming testimony.