Bipartisan Legislation To Bolster Air Traffic Control Workforce Includes UND Role

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — On the same day of another airplane mishap: a Southwest flight was forced to abort landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport after a private plane crossed the runway, a bipartisan group of senators are working to get more air traffic control positions filled.

They have introduced legislation to address staffing shortages and improve working conditions.

It would Expand the workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Colligate Training Initiative program.

The bill would give $20 million per year in grants to air traffic schools in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies.

Four schools including UND have been selected for the enhanced program.

Graduates are immediately eligible for hire by the FAA to begin localized training at an air traffic facility.

“We have about 3,000 spots nationwide that we would like to fill for air traffic controllers and this legislation will help us do it. So it’s very important for the traveling public,” said Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota.

Hoeven is joined by Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas.