FAA Hiring Blitz Draws 10,000 Air-Traffic Control Candidates: Official

Officials say they are working hard to correct a longstanding shortage of people who play crucial roles in keeping America’s skies safe.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Chris Rocheleau (R), a top executive for an aviation business association, would be the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration during a news conference with National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy (L) in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on Jan. 30, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Efforts to hire more air traffic controllers—following a series of deadly aircraft incidents—are off to a promising start, officials say.

During a hiring window that spanned less than three weeks, 10,000 people applied for these six-figure jobs that are crucial to safe air travel, said Chris Rocheleau, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).