Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Control Tower Continuity Act in an effort to address the shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. The proposed legislation aims to give the U.S. Secretary of Transportation authority to allow certain individuals over 61 years old to continue working beyond the current mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers.
“Healthy and skilled air traffic controllers should not be forced to retire at age 61,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the United States faces a shortage of air traffic controllers, Americans are forced to endure delays, cancellations, and safety concerns. The Control Tower Continuity Act would empower healthy and experienced air traffic controllers to work beyond the current mandatory retirement age to address air traffic controller shortages.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been dealing with staffing issues for several years and is currently short about 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide. Currently, the mandatory retirement age for these professionals is set at 56, but exceptional individuals can be exempted until they reach 61 by decision of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has shown interest in using his authority to grant such exemptions up until age 61.
The Control Tower Continuity Act proposes that air traffic controllers who are allowed to work past 61 must meet specific medical standards and update their medical certifications every six months instead of annually.
