Air traffic control students practice under pressure to prepare for real-world challenges.

Oklahoma

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responding to a significant shortage of air traffic controllers by holding its largest training class at its academy in Oklahoma City. Trainees participate in realistic simulations and hands-on exercises, including using radar screens and tabletop models, to prepare for the high-pressure demands of the job. 

The agency has streamlined hiring processes, increased starting pay by 30 percent, and introduced bonuses for those willing to work in remote areas. Despite these efforts, only a small percentage of applicants reach the academy, and even fewer complete the training. Graduates will continue their preparation in real control towers before joining the workforce to help address the ongoing staffing shortfall.

A look inside the FAA's largest training class

In a dark, noisy room in Oklahoma, air traffic control trainees hunch over radar screens tracking flights that don't actually exist. It's a simulation, a test really, to see if these students are ready for the real thing. This is really designed to create a sense of... As close to realistic as we can get. With the pressure they would feel in real life. Yes. This spring at Newark International Airport, outdated equipment and too few controllers cause days of delays. A deadly mid-air collision of an Army helicopter and passenger plane in Washington, and recent close calls on runways... Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance. Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance. Also exposed a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers, and a system under strain. There are about 11,000 certified controllers, with a need for about 3,000 more. An Inspector General's report we obtained shows 20 out of 26 critical locations were classified as understaffed, something Chris Wilbanks is trying to fix. To remind people we didn't get here overnight, so we're not going to get out of the situation overnight, but this is where it all starts. The FAA agreed to let Scripps News get a rare look at how it's working to get more controllers into towers, inviting us to see its largest class ever at its training academy in Oklahoma City. The agency has streamlined hiring, bumped up starting pay by 30 percent, and offered a bonus for those willing to work in more remote areas. The goal? Hire 2,000 more controllers this year, and more after that. If you want to be an air traffic controller, the demand is there. You'll come right through the beautiful state of Oklahoma, and spend anywhere from two and a half to three and a half months out here doing the training. President Trump's big policy bill just passing Congress includes $100 million for new air traffic training tools. But much of what we saw was far from high tech. 20-0 Papa Alpha, we're at Spartan Aviation. We were surprised to see toy planes being flown by hand to model takeoffs and landings at a tabletop airport a kid would love. This gives the students the first opportunity to take all the information that they received in academics and actually use it, put it to good use. They also learn how to talk like a controller to pilots from all over the world. Academy tower, hold short runway one six, traffic landing. I've heard there is a controller voice they learn. Yes. What is that? Just from the diaphragm, and what I tell the students is say it like you mean it, and stick the landing. Only a small percentage of applicants get to the academy. These students have already passed a tough written test and gone through a medical and background check. Many here won't make the final cut when instructors watch them handle the kind of stress we got to experience first hand. We're simulating a real control tower. These are actually computer screens, but let's pretend they're windows. We're looking out at this fictitious airport called academy airport. It doesn't actually exist. So, let's put a headset on you. With the help of an experienced controller and a script of what to say. Are you ready? I don't know. Academy tower, twin Cessna three one zero nine November, coming up on Sand Springs with Julie. I began giving commands to a Cessna preparing to land. Enter left downwind runway two eight left. You nailed it. Enter left downwind runway two eight left. You don't have to say please. One plane was hard enough. Then came more. So, now I'm keeping track of two planes, three planes. You're talking to two and you're looking at three. Even with radar, I'm told to rely on my eyes to constantly scan the sky. We use paper strips to help keep track of flights. Oh, I've been given this paper strip. Ground gave you a strip for a departing aircraft. Oh, now that's a fourth airplane? Well, you're not talking to them yet, so don't stress just yet. Line up and wait. I like it. What if I said the wrong thing? Like, what if I accidentally cleared him to take off? Who would check me on that? You wouldn't be over my shoulder in real life. No. Here comes the Cessna. Yep, he's about to land. The intense focus and high stakes help explain why a surge of controllers training today can't just begin tomorrow. We still aren't at a point where computers can successfully keep planes separate and safe. No. We're not a human in the loop separating the airplanes. It won't be in my lifetime that we will have AI clearing someone for takeoff. Those who graduate will continue training in real control towers before finally able to help keep flights taking off and landing safely.

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