NATCA Bookshelf

ISSUES National Air Traffic Controllers Association | www.natca.org NiW Today 33 As a result, the FAA relies on contractors to provide on-the-job training during simulation. However, even when contract instructors are available for training, they are often hired at facilities where they never have worked, meaning that they may not be familiar with the facilities' unique operations. Further, many contract instructors have not been operationally current for years. In some cases, contract instructors are capable of providing only general information during simulation training. Although CPCs are better equipped to serve as simulation/classroom instructors, historically low CPC staffing levels have hindered their ability to do so. In addition to instructor availability concerns, most radar facilities only have one person who is proficient with the simulation development software, which creates a bottleneck when that person is unavailable. This issue also persists at the FAA's 21 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), in which the average training time is nearly 2.5 years. However, at two en route facilities that fully engaged CPCs in the simulation/classroom training process, Los Angeles Center (ZLA) and Fort Worth Center (ZFW), training time was reduced by eight to 12 months. When CPCs provide training within a facility, it allows the most relevant information to be passed directly to trainees, which streamlines the learning process. For instance, from 2009 to 2014 at ZLA, training times were reduced by more than a year, which allowed at least 26 controllers to reach certification faster. This is an example of how the FAA and NATCA worked together to decrease certification times and take a step toward addressing the CPC staffing challenges. National Training Initiative The National Training Initiative (NTI) began in July 2019 and is a collaborative effort between the FAA and NATCA. The NTI is based on a joint expectation for training devel- opmental controllers that has resulted in a more efficient and effective progression of trainees towards CPC status. In 2024, the FAA and NATCA signed an agreement that increased on-the-job training (OJT) premium pay. For the first time, controllers will be provided OJT premium pay when providing instruction in the simulation environ- ment. This agreement demonstrates that both FAA and NATCA leadership are committed to training and to the NTI's program, expectations, and goals. Currently, there are a large number of developmental trainees in various stages in training. In order to achieve increased CPC certifications, it will take a concerted effort on behalf of both the FAA and NATCA to reach this shared goal. For instance, the NTI collaboratively established target on-the-job training (OJT) hours to be obtained by individual trainees on a weekly basis at their respective facilities. At facilities in which individuals in training already meet the training hour expectations, those facilities will collaboratively monitor and ensure the training hours accomplish the parties' shared goals. For facilities that do not meet the weekly OJT training expectations, the FAA and NATCA engage in collaborative discussions at the local level to determine the appropriate course of action. When local collaborative discussions are unable to resolve matters that impede the meeting of NTI expectations and goals, the issue is elevated to the national level for assessment and possible intervention. Additional Consequences of Staffing and Training Challenges: Reduced Capacity and Increased Delays—A further reduction in CPCs would likely have an immediate and detrimental effect on capacity, meaning fewer planes in the sky and greater potential for delays. Delayed Deployment of Modernization Programs—Understaffing hinders facilities throughout the NAS from deploying and training for modernization programs, procedures, and equipment. Mandatory Overtime—Critically understaffed facilities require controllers to work mandatory overtime to provide adequate coverage of all needed positions. Some facilities may lack sufficient staffing, even with mandatory overtime and extended workweeks, to open all positions. Controller Fatigue—These extended workdays and workweeks can lead to significant fatigue problems for the workforce. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified fatigue as one of its highest priority safety concerns. Although NATCA and the FAA, along with other stakeholders, worked collaboratively to develop the "Fully Charged" fatigue awareness and education campaign, the only long-term solution is sufficient staffing. Issue Staffing and Training Challenges Persist

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