Latest news with #ATSA
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Biden admin scrapped ‘best-qualified' standard for air traffic controller academy, docs show
The Biden administration quietly eliminated the top testing threshold for the highest-performing applicants seeking to become air traffic controllers, an internal slide seen by The Post confirms. In 2023, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials scrapped the previous 'best qualified' tier for candidates who scored 85% or above on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam in favor of a 'well qualified' threshold for applicants who scored at least 80%. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed the change to The Post's Miranda Devine on the latest episode of 'Pod Force One,' out now. 'They lowered the standard from 85% to 80% to be best qualified … to get these young people into the academy,' Duffy said, referring to the FAA training school in Oklahoma City. 4 An internal slide shows that the Biden administration approved the ATSA tier change by late 2023. FAA 'What happened was, they had a substantial washout rate, 30%-plus,' Duffy went on, 'because they couldn't do the work.' Since the Trump administration took office, Duffy claimed, 'we're getting the best scores in the academy first.' 'In two months after you take the entrance exam, we're getting you into the academy. And what we're doing is, if you're at 98% on that test [or] 94 [%], you are going to take the top slots as slots become available.' Once air traffic control candidates graduate from the academy, Duffy said, 'it takes them, depending on where they're at, if they're in a not-so-busy airspace, they can be certified in a year.' 4 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy knocked his predecessor for changes made to ATSA tiers. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post Under Duffy's watch, the FAA has instituted a revised version of the prior ATSA grading system Applicants are now separated into four tiers: 'Best-qualified' for scores of 90% or more, 'well-qualified' for scores between 85% and 89%, 'qualified' for scores between 70% and 84%, and 'not referred' for scores under 70%. The Biden administration's adjusted standards considered applicants 'well-qualified' for scores of 80% and above, 'qualified' for scores between 70% and 79.9%, and 'not referred' for scores under 70%. 4 Pete Buttigieg has stressed that the standards to become an air traffic controller have not changed. Getty Images A spokesperson for former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg underscored that overall standards to become certified as an air traffic controller did not change while he was in office. 'Whether you call them 'qualified' or 'best-qualified' or 'well-qualified,' there is still a minimum standard of qualification, and that line hasn't changed,' the spokesperson said. 'And that test hasn't changed.' 'To be abundantly clear: we did not change the rigorous standard for becoming a certified air traffic controller,' Buttigieg wrote on X on Feb. 2. 'Those claiming otherwise are mistaken or lying. We did increase funding & training, and grew the ATC workforce after years of declining numbers, including under Trump.' Duffy also contended that the Biden administration's system took so long to sift through applicants that 'if … you take the test, you pass it, you got an 82%, it might take you two years to get your seat in the academy. 'Well, if you're 22 years old, you're gonna go find a different job. You're not gonna stick around.' 4 Officials are working to address a workforce shortage of air traffic controllers that has vexed airports across the country. Federal Aviation Administration Since the Jan. 29 mid-air collision over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people aboard a regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter, the Department of Transportation has been scrambling to address a workforce shortage of air traffic controllers. More than 2,000 air traffic controllers are expected to join the FAA this year as part of the agency's workforce plan, with 8,900 projected to be hired by the end of 2028.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
DOT chief Sean Duffy charges predecessor Pete Buttgieig lowered standards for air traffic controllers in bombshell claim during ‘Pod Force One' appearance
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy charged on the latest episode of 'Pod Force One' that his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, lowered the requirements to be considered a 'well-qualified' air traffic control candidate, leading to spiking dropout rates at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City. Officially, candidates who score above 85% on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam are considered 'well-qualified' — or 'best-qualified' with a score of 90% or higher — and prime choices to be FAA-certified controllers. However, under Buttigieg, Duffy told The Post's Miranda Devine, 'they lowered the standard from 85% to 80% to be best qualified … to get these young people into the academy. Advertisement 4 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told 'Pod Force One' that his predecessor Pete Buttigieg lowered the requirements for air traffic controllers. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post Every week, Post columnist Miranda Devine sits down for exclusive and candid conversations with the most influential disruptors in Washington. Subscribe here! 'Well, what happened was, they had a substantial washout rate, 30%-plus,' Duffy went on, 'because they couldn't do the work.' Advertisement 'And then it took so long, if they go — if, Miranda, you take the test, you pass it, you got an 82%, it might take you two years to get your seat in the academy,' the secretary continued. 'Well, if you're 22 years old, you're gonna go find a different job. You're not gonna stick around.' A spokesperson for Buttigieg told The Post on Tuesday when asked for comment on Duffy's claims: 'If he had any proof to back up what he said, it seems like they'd provide it.' 4 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy knocked his predecessor over air traffic controller training standards. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post Buttigieg himself has also vehemently denied lowering the standards to become a certified air traffic controller. Advertisement 'To be abundantly clear: we did not change the rigorous standard for becoming a certified air traffic controller,' Buttigieg wrote on X on Feb. 2. 'Those claiming otherwise are mistaken or lying. We did increase funding & training, and grew the ATC workforce after years of declining numbers, including under Trump.' Reps for the FAA and Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 4 Buttigieg has denied lowering the 'rigorous' standards for becoming an air traffic controller. Denver Post via Getty Images Advertisement Duffy acknowledged to Devine that while the ATSA exam is 'the best indicator' known for determining who may be up for the job of directing the nation's air traffic, 'they haven't really figured out the best test to do this.' 'It's a tough job,' the DOT chief said. 'And by the way, it's really hard to figure out who's going to be good at it. You could get a baker and a candlestick maker that are great at it, and someone else with a math degree that just doesn't figure it out.' Earlier this year, Duffy moved to aggressively ramp up recruitment of air traffic controllers to address workforce shortages that have dogged the agency for nearly three decades. 4 Sean Duffy is hoping to significantly expand the workforce of air traffic controllers, who tend to have a high burnout rate. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post The issue made national headlines after 67 people were killed Jan. 29 in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a regional jet over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Full episode Advertisement 'We're getting kids, young people, into the academy much faster,' Duffy said. 'So in two months after you take the entrance exam, we're getting you into the academy. And what we're doing is, if you're at 98% on that test [or] 94 [%], you are going to take the top slots as slots become available. So we're getting the best scores in the academy first. And what we've done with that is we've lowered the washout rate, which means we can get more young people into towers.' The secretary added that academy graduates could be fully certified in as little as one year 'if they're in a not-so-busy airspace,' and stressed that 'it's going to take us time to see the fruits of our hard labor right now, but we're well on our way to filling the gaps in air traffic control.' The FAA has said that its goal is to hire 8,900 new air traffic controllers by the end of 2028.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Black Pepper May Be Getting More Expensive—and Not Just Because of Tariffs
Shortages of black pepper may cause prices to rise this year. Impending tariffs against Brazil and Vietnam, both major black pepper producers, may also affect prices. If you want to stock up, buy whole peppercorns rather than ground pepper, and consider storing in the you think of expensive spices, you might think saffron or vanilla—but you probably don't think of a staple like black pepper. But between the shortages of the world's most traded spice and shifting U.S. tariff policies, you may soon see a sharp price hike for black pepper products. EatingWell spoke with the American Spice Trade Association (ATSA) to learn more. 'The main driver for the reduction in global black pepper supply is reduced production in Vietnam, the leading producer of black pepper,' says ATSA executive director Laura Shumow. 'Following pepper price drops in 2018 due to a surplus of black pepper, Vietnamese black pepper farmers shifted away from planting black pepper and began planting other crops. Black pepper vines take several years before they begin bearing fruit, so the impact of this shift is felt years later, and we are still experiencing the shortage today.' While Indonesia, India and Brazil are the other main producers of the spice, Vietnam leads the way in exports, making the repercussions of their farming decisions widespread. Still, it's a pattern that many black pepper producers and traders are undoubtedly accustomed to. 'Black pepper pricing tends to be cyclical based on the trend of production declining following price decreases and production increasing when prices are high,' explained Shumow, referencing recent ATSA crop reports that demonstrate relatively low production numbers in Vietnam and other leading exporters over the last several years. 'Based on this trend, we expect that we are still several years away from seeing supply catch up to demand.' Though the numbers slightly increased in Brazil and Vietnam in 2024 and the first part of 2025, farmers will need to find solutions to the various other challenges they face if they're going to help alleviate shortages and stabilize prices for consumers in the coming years. One significant factor is climate change, which has resulted in unpredictable rainfall. This unpredictability has adversely affected planting and harvesting, as farmers depend on consistent rainy seasons for everything from creating farming schedules to ensuring the health of their crops, ultimately determining the value of their products. The impending retaliatory U.S. tariffs set to take effect on July 9 may cause further price hikes, especially since black pepper-producing countries face some fairly high percentages—including a staggering 46% for Vietnam. Disorganized trade systems, increased shipping costs, and the reverberating effects of COVID-era supply chain disruptions are among the other challenges affecting farmers and, in turn, the availability and prices of black pepper. Related: 4 Foods to Stock Up On Before Tariffs Take Effect Stocking up on the staple spice before the likely spike in prices occurs is one way to lessen your impact as a consumer. Just make sure to store reserves in airtight packaging or containers in a cool, dry place or in the freezer for an even longer shelf life (up to 12 months for most spices). To further ensure freshness and the best taste, opt for whole peppercorns and grind them as needed instead of in batches. Finding substitutes that are less expensive or less likely to be affected by these issues is another option that can save you money. Spices that boast numerous health benefits and share similar warm and spicy notes typical of black pepper include coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, cloves and smoked paprika. Whether you choose to stock up on black pepper or find alternatives, you can take relief in knowing that shortages and prices will even out if they follow historical trends. Related: 12 Ways to Save Money on Groceries, According to a Food Writer Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Air Traffic Control Collegiate Program Certified to FAA Qualifications at SUNY Schenectady County Community College
SUNY Schenectady and Federal Aviation Administration Sign Agreement for College to Join Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / May 30, 2025 / SUNY Schenectady County Community College and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have signed an agreement for SUNY Schenectady to become the next school in the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. SUNY Schenectady is only the sixth college or university across the country, and one of only two community colleges, that the FAA has authorized to provide the same thorough curriculum and advanced training technology offered at the agency's Academy in Oklahoma City. The Enhanced Initiative was created to allow qualified institutions to provide their students with equivalent FAA Academy Air Traffic Control curriculum and training. Graduates of the Enhanced AT-CTI offered at SUNY Schenectady, with FAA oversight, could be placed directly into a facility, if hired as Air Traffic Control Specialists. This means that students who graduate from the SUNY Schenectady program and pass the FAA-proctored Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) are able to bypass six months of training at the FAA site in Oklahoma City and can start working in an FAA tower. In addition to passing the ATSA, these graduates must meet medical and security requirements. According to the FAA, "The program will increase the controller training pipeline and ensure graduates have the necessary skills to begin immediate facility training." Dr. Steady Moono, College President, said, "SUNY Schenectady is proud to be at the forefront of responding to a critical, national need for qualified Air Traffic Controllers by partnering with the FAA on the new Enhanced AT-CTI program. This is an extraordinary opportunity for students to gain the same rigorous curriculum and training that the FAA provides at the Academy in Oklahoma City. We welcome students from across the country as they train to begin their careers in the Air Traffic Control industry. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Senator Chuck Schumer who called on the FAA to include SUNY Schenectady in its Enhanced AT-CTI program, noting that the College was uniquely qualified and ready to create a pipeline of students to enter this high-paying career and address the nationwide shortage." New York Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Prepare for takeoff to better address the air traffic controller shortage because the FAA just approved SUNY Schenectady to join their prestigious Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. As airports continue to struggle with the national air traffic controller shortage, I pushed to have Schenectady join this competitive program because they have proven themselves to be a leader in aviation training uniquely capable of helping equip students with the skill they need to enter this career. SUNY Schenectady's air traffic controller training program is ready to create a local pipeline of students to enter this high-paying field tasked with protecting the safety of our skies. I'm thrilled the FAA heeded my calls and is helping the next generation of air traffic controllers reach new heights right here in the Capital Region. I commend SUNY Schenectady President Dr. Steady Moono and the college's Aviation Program's leadership for this new milestone and a continued high standard of training of our next generation of controllers." Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, added, "We're grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support of SUNY Schenectady and his efforts to address the national shortage of air traffic controllers. The FAA's designation highlights the strength of our Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree programs, which equip students with hands-on, career-ready training. With the College's new Enhanced status, students will have even more pathways to success-including the opportunity for direct placement into an air traffic control facility-and will help keep our skies safer across the country." Graduates of the program earn their A.A.S. degrees in Air Traffic Control. SUNY Schenectady first began offering the degree program in ATC in 2012 and in January 2025 the College unveiled its new Air Traffic Control simulator, the largest and most comprehensive at a community college east of the Mississippi River. The FAA-approved SUNY Schenectady ATC Simulator features: Three ATC Tower stations for ultra-realistic trainingSeven 75" monitors for 215 degrees of complete tower immersionFour radar TRACON stations for multi-training scenarios and realismATSpeak which reinforces radar, tower, ramp, pilot, and airside driver phraseologiesSeven Remote Pilot stations for real human-voice responses and pilotageFAA Academy Curriculum for the BEST in ATC Training In addition to the ATC degree program, SUNY Schenectady offers an A.S. degree in Aviation Science: Pilot and an Aviation Science: Non-Pilot Administration and Management degree through the Division of Business and Professional Programs, among the College's 60 degrees, certificates, and microcredentials. SUNY Schenectady is now accepting applications for the Enhanced AT-CTI program at Please contact the Office of Admissions at 518-381-1366 or admissions@ for more information on how to apply. Images of SUNY Schenectady's Air Traffic Control simulator and captions are available here. Contact Information Geoff Redick Director, Public Affairsgeoff@ 297-2453 Matt Potolski Senior Account Executivematt@ 698-4032 SOURCE: SUNY Schenectady County Community College press release
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Want to be an Air Traffic Controller? Check these boxes to get this six-figure job.
Want to be an Air Traffic Controller? Check these boxes to get this six-figure job. Show Caption Hide Caption FAA plans air traffic control overhaul After weeks of scrutiny over air traffic control systems, the Trump Administration says it's making plans to overhaul the technology. Fox - Seattle Air traffic controllers must be U.S. citizens under 31, pass medical and security checks, and specialized tests. The median salary for an air traffic controller was $144,580 in May 2024. The FAA has tried to streamline the hiring process to address controller shortages. Whenever there's an issue in the nation's airspace, like the current string of delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, air traffic controllers come under a microscope. A few thousand people are responsible for the daily choreography of tens of thousands of flights in the skies over the U.S., and control towers across the country have been consistently understaffed for years – if not decades. Administrations in Washington of all political stripes have vowed to address the issue and boost air traffic controller hiring. Most recently, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was directing his department to streamline the hiring process and announced new incentives to encourage prospective applicants to apply. 'By streamlining the hiring and cutting the red tape, we shaved months, as the secretary mentioned, off the hiring process,' Chris Rocheleau, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration said during a recent press conference. 'Together we're building a stronger, safer, more efficient and more innovative FAA.' To be sure, being an air traffic controller comes with some perks. They're typically well-compensated; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an air traffic controller was $144,580 in May 2024. But the job can also be stressful, and the qualifications are stringent. Here's what's required to become an air traffic controller, according to the FAA. Basic Air Traffic Controller qualifications All applicants to the air traffic controller program must meet these minimum requirements: Be a United States citizen Be under the age of 31 Pass a medical examination Pass a security investigation Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA) Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment Have one year of progressively responsible work experience, or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals one year Medical requirements for Air Traffic Controllers According to the FAA, all prospective air traffic controllers "must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and meet standards for vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric health." A full list of medical requirements is available on the agency's website. Some disqualifying conditions include certain neurological disorders, spine or limb deformities, diabetes, psychoses, neuroses or other psychological disorders, or a substance abuse disorder when any issues in these categories could interfere with a prospective controller's ability to perform the necessary functions of their job. Once hired, Air Traffic Controllers must undergo and pass an annual medical review. Air Traffic Controller training Most Air Traffic Controllers undergo an intensive training program, including spending several months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Duffy said in a recent press conference that the washout rate at the academy historically averages 35%, but that the agency is trying to boost resources available to students to help them succeed. Newark disruptions: Controllers lost radio, radar contact with planes Some applicants who attended FAA-recognized schools under the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative can bypass some of the initial training requirements, because their degrees are certified to have covered the necessary topics. After graduating the academy, trainees are assigned to control locations across the country and receive 2-3 years of additional classroom and on-the-job training before earning their full Air Traffic Controller certification, according to the FAA. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
