FAA Breaks All-Time Record for Air Traffic Controller Trainee Hiring

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exceeded its Fiscal Year 2026 goal, hiring 2,235 air traffic controller trainees, the most in FAA history. This record follows the highly successful gamer campaign that recruited more than 12,000 qualified Americans to apply in just 24 hours.

"Meeting this year's hiring goal is an important milestone, but it's not the finish line," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. "We are focused on continuing to bring the best and the brightest people into the profession, giving them the training and tools they need to succeed, and building a stronger, more resilient air traffic control workforce. Every new controller represents an investment in the future of the National Airspace System."

Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy's supercharge effort is on track to hire at least 8,900 new air traffic controller trainees through 2028, strengthening the workforce responsible for safely managing the world's busiest and most complex airspace. The FAA expanded onsite Academy training, with June seeing the highest number of air traffic academy students in FAA's history. More than 1,300 trainees have successfully graduated from the academy already this fiscal year.

Additional Information

The FAA's 2026-2028 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan calls for hiring at least 2,300 new controller trainees in FY27 and 2,400 in FY28.

The FAA is strengthening its air traffic controller pipeline through streamlined hiring, expanded training capacity and new recruiting partnerships with colleges, universities and technical schools.

The FAA will continue recruiting and training the next generation of controllers while investing in modern technology, improving workforce utilization and supporting the experienced workforce that safely manages the nation's airspace.