Rothfus Sponsors Fix for FAA Hiring Rules to Ensure the Safety of Our Skies

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  New air traffic controller hiring rules imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jeopardize passenger safety by unfairly shutting out some of the most qualified candidates.

Before the new rules took effect, graduates who obtained high-quality training from a specialized Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, and military veterans with relevant experience, received preference when applying for a position with FAA.

Western Pennsylvania’s Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) houses one of the top AT-CTI programs in the nation.

Unfortunately, the FAA’s sudden change has prevented many candidates who completed AT-CTI programs at CCBC from pursuing the career for which they were specifically trained.

The FAA gave little justification for the new hiring procedures.

“Training programs like the one at the Community College of Beaver County have a long track record of excellence,” said Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12]. “The aviation program at CCBC has built an excellent reputation as one of the top training programs in the nation, drawing in students from all over the region.”

Congressman Rothfus recently sponsored bipartisan legislation to reverse the new hiring rules, and restore the traditional hiring process that prioritizes graduates with advanced training as well as certain military veterans.

“Our bill ensures the most qualified candidates get to the top of the list. When it comes to our air traffic controllers, we need the best man or woman on the job to keep our skies safe,” said Rothfus.

H.R. 1964, the Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2015, restores preferred status for AT-CTI graduates and qualified veterans, eliminates the use of biographical questionnaires for screening purposes, and allows candidates who were unfairly excluded under previous biographical screening a chance to reapply.

https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-sponsors-fix-faa-hiring-rules-ensure-safety-our-skies

Posted in Advocacy, Legislative and tagged .