The skies of the United States are seeing widespread air traffic controller shortages amidst ballooning travel demand. While all this is taking place, there has been an increase in aircraft near-misses, complaints of congressional dysfunction, and even fatal accidents (such as the fateful flight involving an American Airlines feeder service that the world witnessed last week).

It's no secret that the United States' air safety system is under pressure, and the COVID-19 pandemic worsened an already stretched air traffic controller workforce. Demand for air travel has soared following the global de-thaw for aviation, and politically motivated funding has made it even more difficult for the industry to replace, retrain, and recruit new workers.

Following a string of near misses and now two recent fatal accidents, industry veterans are questioning the system and requesting investigations to consider factors that would have led up to last week's deadly accident, including fatigue, miscommunication, and distraction at work. Oregon Democrat Peter DeFazio, and past Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, explained to Politico:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs around 45,000 staff, 12,000 of whom are air traffic controllers, still around 3,000 short of what is expected. The administration has labored ongoing efforts to ensure a pipeline of air traffic controllers. While this has been done through various industry partnerships, this wave of trainees is unexpected to join the workforce for some time.

On January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing federal civilian employee hires. While at the time, it was made clear this did not apply to the military or armed forces, immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety, clarity was required around whether this would affect the continued recruitment of air traffic controllers.

The Department of Transportation made clear soon after that this freeze would not affect air traffic controllers, and the FAA will continue to hire and onboard air traffic controllers and others in safety-critical positions. However, this didn't stop Democrats from noting that the hiring freeze would violate the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, mandating hiring the maximum number of air traffic controllers. Many took to social media to protest, as reported by Newsweek:

"Hiring air traffic controllers is the number one safety issue according to the entire aviation industry. Instead of working to improve aviation safety and lower costs for hardworking American families, the administration is choosing to spread bogus DEI claims to justify this decision. I'm not surprised by the president's dangerous and divisive actions, but the administration must reverse course."

"Our top priority must be the safety of the flying public, so an order freezing the hiring of air traffic controllers is a misguided decision and goes against the directives of our FAA Reauthorization bill. The aviation community will speak with one voice in condemning this shortsighted policy and reaffirm our commitment to hiring the critical personnel necessary for ensuring public safety."

To become an air traffic controller in the United States, applicants must be US Citizens and able to communicate English clearly. Applicants must also be younger than 31 years of age during their application period. Applicants shortlisted will also be required to pass a medical examination, a pre-employment skills test, and a security investigation.

If successful, the recruits spend several months at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City, and, once they complete the interim course, they spend up to three years on the job before receiving their certification as a professional controller. As an entry-level air traffic controller, your starting salary is around $60,000. However, within three years of service, you can be on a six-figure salary. The average salary for a controller is $158,000.

The regulations regarding air traffic controllers include working only until you reach 56 years of age and encouraging retirement if you have completed 20 to 25 years of service.

The President of the United States was quick to blame DEI policies for the fatal mid-air collision above the skies of Washington DC shortly after the crash, which killed 67 people onboard the two aircraft. Many have taken to social media to share their perspectives on the event, with some looking at the freezing and hiring of federal employees.

One such claim was that Trump fired 3,000 air traffic controllers quickly after taking office in his second term. While it remains unclear how or where this rumor started, dozens of posts have been mirrored by supporters that have spread the allegation.

To provide clarity, Trump's memorandum, signed on January 22, ended an FAA hiring policy that, in his eyes, "prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over safety and efficiency." Trump's action ordered the FAA to review the performance of individuals in critical safety positions, and there is no evidence that Trump specifically approved the firing of 3,000 air traffic controllers.

It is important to note that, regardless of the speculation around DEI, all air traffic controllers must complete rigorous training that can span several years. Candidates undertake mental and physical assessments before they are even hired, and many do not make it past the first few hurdles because the process is so difficult. Due to continued staffing shortages, current air traffic controllers have experienced:

• Fatigue
• Distraction.

During last week's fatal accident that ended up with a military helicopter and an American Airlines subsidiary aircraft in the Potomac River and many dead, many officials have argued against any suggestion of DEI playing a factor in the accident. While Trump has claimed that Biden encouraged the hiring of people with disabilities, other extenuating factors may have caused the accident.

One question raised has been about reducing the number of operating flights at the heavily congested airport. The skies above Reagan Nation have had many objections to any such expansion at the capital airport. Irrespective of any decision, the administration's thorough investigation of the accident will likely be the most complex in recent history and will analyze the world's most 'complex aviation ecosystem.'

At the time of the American Airlines crash, staffing details identified that just one controller was working that night for arrivals and departures at Reagan National. This highlighted the concern around air traffic controller staffing levels, with many needing to work overtime. Authorities have reiterated that usually two would be working at the same time.

A Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft, operated by PSA Airlines , a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, had almost completed an American Eagle scheduled flight between Witchita, Kansas, and Washington National Airport when it collided mid-air with a U.S Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The crash, which occurred over the Potomac River, just half a mile short of the airport's runway, killed all 64 people onboard the aircraft and the three in the helicopter. This marks the deadliest aviation accident in recent US history, following the crash of AA587 on November 12, 2001.

Preliminary flight data has identified that the crash likely occurred around 325 feet, raising questions about why the helicopter exceeded the 200-foot limit threshold that helicopters must maintain when operating near the capital airport.