H.R. 3270: Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025, proposes several initiatives aimed at enhancing the training, recruitment, and retention of air traffic controllers in the United States. Below are the main components of the bill:

Collegiate Training Initiative Program Improvements

The bill seeks to maintain and improve the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which works with higher education institutions to prepare students for careers as air traffic controllers. Key aspects include:

• Establishing new agreements and continuing existing ones with educational institutions to ensure proper training for air traffic controllers.
• Allowing the FAA Administrator to appoint graduates from the program to air traffic controller positions without a competitive process, enabling a more streamlined transition from education to employment.
• Creating a grant program to provide funding to colleges and universities participating in the Enhanced-CTI program, aimed at developing curriculum and providing necessary training resources. Estimated funding for this initiative is $20 million per year from 2026 to 2031.

Air Traffic Controller Training Enhancements

The bill includes provisions for improving training resources for air traffic controllers, which encompasses:

• Funding for equipment and training simulators to ensure that air traffic control facilities are equipped with up-to-date technology. This also includes an investment of $20 million annually for six years (2026-2031).
• Establishing a qualification incentive program aimed at encouraging and retaining freshly trained air traffic controllers.
• Developing retention bonuses for Certified Professional Controllers to encourage them to remain in their positions.

Mental Health Improvements

Another aspect of the bill emphasizes the mental health of air traffic controllers. The FAA Administrator is directed to create a training program for mental health providers that includes:

• Support for developing mental health professionals who have knowledge of FAA requirements for air traffic controllers.
• Training programs for Aviation Medical Examiners that focus on mental health considerations.

Aviation Rulemaking Committee

The bill mandates the formation of an aviation rulemaking committee to review and enhance the curricula of air traffic control training programs and assessments. This committee will evaluate:

• Current training content and methodologies for their effectiveness.
• Technology advancements that could improve educational outcomes.
• Student performance metrics and overall success rates in transitioning from training to the job.

Reporting Requirements

Following the formation of the aviation rulemaking committee, the FAA Administrator must report to Congress on the committee's findings and provide updates on the implementation of any necessary policy changes within certain timelines.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of $20 million per year for various initiatives mentioned from fiscal years 2026 to 2031.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing Co.) - As a major player in the aviation industry, Boeing may be impacted by changes in air traffic control training and regulations, which could affect aircraft design and operations.
• GE (General Electric Co.) - General Electric, which manufactures aviation technology and systems, may be influenced by the demand for improved air traffic control technologies outlined in the bill.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies Corp.) - As a provider of aerospace and defense technologies, Raytheon could see impacts from investments in air traffic control system improvements.