WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A bipartisan group of three senators on Tuesday called for new funding to boost air traffic control staffing, speed training of new controllers and new incentives to retain aviation workers.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senators John Hoeven and Jerry Moran introduced legislation that would authorize $100 million for tower simulators at Air Traffic Control facilities nationwide, which could reduce time needed to certify an air traffic controller by 27%.
A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and, at many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts.
(Reporting by David Shepardson)
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