05.02.25

FAA Implements Recruitment and Retention Incentives in Line with Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act

Senator Advancing Legislation to Strengthen Enhanced AT-CTI Program at UND, Address ATC Staffing Shortages

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented new recruitment and retention programs for air traffic controllers (ATC) consistent with the provisions in Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act of 2025. Hoeven introduced the bill with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to help address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions and ensure safe transportation within U.S. airspace. Specifically, the FAA, in coordination with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), established the following limited-time incentives:

  • $5,000 award for academy graduates who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
  • $5,000 award for new hires who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
  • $10,000 award for academy graduates who are assigned to one of 13 hard-to-staff air traffic facilities.
  • A 20 percent lump sum payment for certified professional controllers eligible to retire but under the mandatory retirement age (56) for each year they continue to work.

“Our nation needs more qualified air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient air travel, and we appreciate the FAA for following the blueprint we laid out in our legislation when creating these new incentives,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy and Acting Administrator Rocheleau taking this first step, but more needs to be done to get students moving into the ATC workforce. To this end, our legislation would strengthen the Enhanced AT-CTI program, like the one at UND, while supporting a more efficient certification process. That means graduates can start working sooner and fulfill this critical aviation safety need.”

In addition to the recruitment and retention incentives, Hoeven’s legislation would:

  • Expand the ATC workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.
    • The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to AT-CTI schools to invest in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies.
    • The legislation also removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as instructors at AT-CTI schools.
    • Hoeven worked to advance UND’s selection as an Enhanced AT-CTI program, under which graduates are immediately eligible for hire by the FAA and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility. Currently, four schools, including UND have been selected for the Enhanced AT-CTI program.
  • Authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, supporting more efficient certification of ATC trainees.
  • Support the development of mental health services equipped to address the particular stressors faced by the ATC workforce.

The ATC Workforce Development Act is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association and the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

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