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Currently, there are 272 air traffic controllers living
in the 14th Congressional District. For decades, the FAA
has relied on colleges and universities to prepare air
traffic controllers through the CTI, ensuring candidates
are well-trained for the position.
This year the FAA changed its hiring practices with few
details given about how the changes would be implemented
and with little advance warning. There are strong signs
that the new procedures have resulted in "unjust
economic injury to candidates" who have been
disqualified by the opaque Biographical Questionnaire
(Bio Q). Further, many have “aged out” after turning 31
during the application process, thus becoming ineligible
for the job for which they were specifically trained.
Among other provisions, the SAFE TOWERS
Act would:
Restore preferred status for CTI graduates with school
recommendations and qualified veterans back into the
hiring process.
Eliminate the use of a Biographical Assessment that
unduly disqualifies applicants.
Allow candidates who will have aged out from the interim
hiring process, or were deemed unqualified by the Bio Q,
the chance to reapply.
Establish an ATC Advisory Committee, composed of
relevant educational institutions and organizations, to
provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator
of the FAA in regards to needs, objectives, plans, and
content of air traffic control training programs.
Requires an annual report from the Advisory Committee to
Congress citing recommendations. The FAA must respond
within 60 days explaining why they did or did not
comply.
Requires the FAA to notify Advisory Committee and CTI
schools prior to any future changes in the hiring
process and allow the schools an opportunity to comment.
Requires the FAA take into consideration locally
developed training initiatives at CTI schools when
establishing best practices nationwide.
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