Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

Higher Education Grants: The Administrator will establish a grant program for institutions of higher education to develop curriculum and provide faculty, simulators, and classroom supplies for the Enhanced-Collegiate Training Initiative program (Section 3(a)(3)).

Streamlined Career Paths: Graduates of approved training programs may be appointed noncompetitively to air traffic controller positions, with the possibility of converting to career status upon reaching full performance level (Section 3(a)(2)).

Faculty Support: An annuity supplement is added for air traffic control instructors or supervisors at institutions participating in the Enhanced-Collegiate Training Initiative program (Section 3(b)).

Facility Equipment: Authorization of funding is provided for the procurement and placement of training equipment at air traffic control facilities (Section 4(a)).

Financial Incentives: The Secretary of Transportation will establish qualification incentive programs for trainees and retention incentive programs for Certified Professional Controllers (Section 4(b)).

Mental Health Support: The Administrator is tasked with establishing a training course to help mental health providers better understand FAA criteria and decision-making regarding air traffic controllers (Section 5(a)(1)).

Employment Terms: Individuals appointed under the Collegiate Training Initiative program serve at the pleasure of the Administrator (Section 3(a)(2)).

Committee Restrictions: Members of the aviation rulemaking committee are prohibited from receiving any pay, allowances, or benefits from the Federal Government for their service (Section 3(c)(5)).