Lucas Introduces Bill to Keep Air Traffic Controller Academy Open

Washington, DC – This week, as part of Oklahoma Aero Week, Congressman Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) introduced the AERO Act. The Aviation Education Remaining Operational (AERO) Act will keep the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Controller Academy open in the case of a government shutdown.

H.R. 2563 ensures the continuity of air traffic controller training activities of the Federal Aviation Administration in the event of a lapse in appropriation. The bill is supported by Airlines for America.

“It remains abundantly clear that keeping our skies safe is a paramount priority of the Trump administration,” said Congressman Lucas. “That is why I am working alongside government leaders and stakeholders to ensure the Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City is able to operate at its full capacity. The Academy serves a fundamental role in the overall safety of the aviation industry. We must protect it at all costs.”

“Air traffic controllers are an important part of our National Airspace System—essential infrastructure that keep our country moving with record passenger volumes and an increased reliance on air cargo. The ATC Academy in Oklahoma does tremendous work preparing air traffic controller trainees and should not be subject to the political fits and starts of government shutdowns, especially at a time when our country is 3000 controllers short. We thank Rep. Lucas for acting on this issue and for his leadership as we work to address the air traffic controller shortage.”

-Airlines for America

Background:

The FAA Academy is located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The Academy offers 1,400 classes annually with over 16,000 students trained. The Academy hosts over 335 full-time Federal employees and almost 500 contractor staff.

Government shutdowns prevent the FAA Academy from operating, resulting in a freeze on air traffic controller training at a time when the national airspace system needs more controllers.

Secretary Duffy has supercharged air traffic controller hiring by streamlining the process of enrolling students in the FAA Academy. Rep. Lucas is building on that progress by introducing a bill that would ensure the FAA Academy stays open even in the event of a government shutdown.

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