Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Reduce Air Traffic Controller Shortages

"Healthy and skilled air traffic controllers should not be forced to retire at age 61," said Senator Blackburn. "As the United Staes faces a shortage of air traffic controllers, Americans are forced to endure delays, cancellations, and safety concerns. The Control Tower Continuity Act would empower healthy and experienced air traffic controllers to work beyond the current mandatory retirement age to address air traffic controller shortages."

BACKGROUND

• Air traffic controller staffing has been an issue faced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for years.

• The FAA is short about 3,000 air traffic controllers across the nation.

• The current mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers is 56, and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has the authority to exempt "exceptional" individuals until age 61.

• U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has expressed interest in using his authority to exempt individuals until age 61.

THE CONTROL TOWER CONTINUITY ACT

• The Control Tower Continuity Act would allow the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to exempt air traffic controllers from thas e mandatory retirement age past the age of 61 as long as they meet relevant medical standards, providing more flexibility during times of air traffic controller shortages.

• Under this legislation, air traffic controllers over the age of 61 would be required to update their medical certifications every six months, as opposed to every year.

Click here for bill text.

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