S. 697 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Feb 24, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands air traffic controller training programs
This bill strengthens how the U.S. trains air traffic controllers. It gives official backing to an enhanced training program at colleges that can prepare students to work at airports right after graduation, rather than requiring them to attend a separate federal academy. The bill also funds simulator systems for training, requires the FAA to improve how it recruits and keeps controllers on staff, and directs the FAA to develop mental health support for controllers.
How it affects you
If you fly regularly, this affects you indirectly—a well-trained, stable workforce of air traffic controllers helps keep airport operations smooth and safe. Air traffic controllers themselves benefit directly through better training pathways, recruitment incentives, and new mental health support. Colleges that train these workers will receive grants to run their programs.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Feb 24, 2025)
Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025
This bill expands and modifies Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce training and programs.
The bill provides statutory authority for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. As background, standard AT-CTI institutions of higher education offer nonengineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in ATC and aviation administration, and graduates complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. Students at Enhanced AT-CTI schools are provided with equivalent FAA Academy ATC training and may be placed directly into an ATC facility.
The bill establishes a grant program for schools participating in the Enhanced AT-CTI program and provides for a faculty annuity supplement for ATC instructors at participating institution of higher education.
The FAA must convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and provide recommendations on the (1) curricula of the FAA Academy, AT-CTI program, and Enhanced AT-CTI program; and (2) Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam. Based on the committee's recommendations, the FAA must initiate a rulemaking or make policy and guidance updates, with an exception.
The bill authorizes funding through FY2031 for the procurement and placement at ATC facilities of Tower Simulator Systems, which are used to train air traffic controllers on airport tower operations.
The bill also requires
• DOT to establish ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs,
• the FAA to support the development of mental health services training related to conditions for ATCs, and
• the FAA to submit a report to Congress on the status of the Airspace Non-cooperative Surveillance Radar program.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 697
A BILL
Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) · Introduced Feb 24, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 24, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.”