2023 Biden Government Report: Pete Buttigieg's FAA Failures

The 2023 Reports Showed FAA Faces Controller Staffing Challenges as Air Traffic Operations Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels at Critical Facilities

Under Biden and his incompetent gay Transportation Secretary, the FAA was poorly managed. The top issue is staffing. The focus on DEI candidates is under the microscope given recent deadly events caused by human error. Every aspect of the FAA shows inferior management and leadership. The details are troubling.

The report from the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) dated June 21, 2023, focuses on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) challenges with air traffic controller staffing and training at critical facilities. Here are the main takeaways and observations:

1. Staffing Shortages:

   • A significant 77% of critical air traffic control facilities are staffed below the FAA's 85% threshold for optimal staffing levels. Notably, New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Miami Tower are at 54% and 66% respectively.

2. Impact of COVID-19:

   • The COVID-19 pandemic led to training pauses for nearly two years, significantly increasing the time required for controller certification. This has resulted in a large number of controllers still in training, impacting the effective number of available controllers.

3. Limited Efforts in Ensuring Adequate Staffing:

   • The FAA has made limited efforts to ensure adequate staffing at these critical facilities. There is a lack of a standardized scheduling tool, and there is disagreement among FAA officials on how to account for trainees in staffing numbers.

4. Risk to Air Traffic Operations:

   • These staffing challenges pose risks to the continuity of air traffic operations. Without a comprehensive plan to address these issues, the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System could be compromised.

5. Training and Certification Delays:

   • Due to the uncertain outcomes of training during the pandemic, the FAA cannot ensure it will successfully train enough controllers in the short term to meet operational demands.

6. Recommendations:

   • The OIG recommends that the FAA implement strategies to optimize controller scheduling, develop a plan to address staffing challenges, and enhance training programs to mitigate delays in controller certification.

7. Overtime and Workload:

   • Controllers at some facilities are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover staff shortages, indicating a high workload and potential fatigue issues.

8. FAA's Response:

   • In response to these challenges, the FAA has initiated a "Stand Up for Safety" series for mandatory special emphasis training starting in July 2023 and has released a controller workforce plan in May 2023, aiming to achieve adequate staffing levels.

These points highlight a critical need for the FAA to address its staffing and training inadequacies to maintain the safety and efficiency of air traffic control operations across the United States.