FAA Surpasses Fiscal Year 2026 Controller Trainee Hiring Target

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it has exceeded its Fiscal Year 2026 hiring goal by recruiting 2,235 air traffic controller trainees, marking the highest hiring total in the agency's history.

According to the FAA, the record hiring numbers follow a targeted campaign aimed at gamers, which the agency reported drew more than 12,000 qualified applicants within a 24-hour window.

"Meeting this year’s hiring goal is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, noting that the agency remains focused on training and expanding the air traffic control workforce.

The agency stated that an ongoing workforce initiative led by Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy aims to hire at least 8,900 new controller trainees through 2028. Under the FAA's 2026–2028 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan, hiring targets are set at a minimum of 2,300 trainees for Fiscal Year 2027 and 2,400 for Fiscal Year 2028.

To accommodate the incoming personnel, the FAA expanded its onsite Academy training capacity. The agency reported that June recorded the highest number of academy students in its history and that more than 1,300 trainees have graduated so far this fiscal year.

The FAA indicated it plans to maintain its recruitment pipeline through streamlined application processes, expanded training facilities, and partnerships with colleges, universities, and technical schools, alongside investments in modern technology and workforce management.

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