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This page summarizes the FAA’s official Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan 2026–2028 (PDF), published May 15, 2026. It explains hiring targets, strategic pillars, competition, ATSA requirements, and training bottlenecks. It is not a promise that any individual applicant will be selected.

Independent site notice: ATCPracticeTest.com is an independent preparation resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the FAA. Verify current hiring requirements, application windows, and testing procedures through official FAA hiring sources and USAJOBS.

For the prior edition, see our FAA Controller Workforce Plan 2025–2028 summary (historical context).

Introduction

The FAA’s 2026–2028 Controller Workforce Plan (CWP) sets a three-year strategy focused on growing the controller workforce, optimizing scheduling efficiency, and modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS). For aspiring controllers, it is the current official reference for how the agency plans hiring, training throughput, and staffing through FY 2028.

The plan builds on FY 2025 results, including 2,028 air traffic controller trainees hired in FY 2025—the highest level since 2008, according to the document—and outlines targets for FY 2026 through FY 2028.

Three strategic pillars

The 2026–2028 plan organizes strategy around three pillars:

  1. Grow the workforce — continue the hiring surge, expand AT-CTI and Enhanced AT-CTI partnerships, and increase training completion rates.
  2. Optimize scheduling efficiency — modernize scheduling and workforce management, reduce reliance on excessive mandatory overtime, and improve controller utilization.
  3. Modernize the NAS — replace aging infrastructure, expand simulation-based training, and deploy tools that support safer, more efficient operations.

These are agency planning themes. Congressional funding, attrition, and training capacity can still change year-to-year outcomes.

FAA hiring targets through FY 2028

The 2026–2028 plan states targets to achieve or exceed:

Fiscal year New air traffic controller hires described in the plan
FY 2026 2,200
FY 2027 2,300
FY 2028 2,400

The plan describes continuing the hiring surge begun in 2025 while attracting high-quality candidates. These figures are workforce planning targets—not applicant success rates and not guarantees for any individual.

For the earlier 8,900-through-FY-2028 framing and FY 2024 applicant-volume context, see the 2025–2028 plan summary and FAA FY 2027 controller hiring and training guide.

Why high hiring does not mean easy entry

Large annual targets can sound encouraging. The plan still describes selective screening and pipeline limits.

  • Candidates must pass aptitude testing, including the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) for most pathways.
  • Medical clearance, security screening, and other pre-employment steps still apply.
  • FAA Academy capacity, instructor availability, and field training absorption limit how many trainees move through the system each year.
  • Certification timelines can exceed two years depending on facility complexity.

High planned hiring is not the same as a high selection rate for any one applicant.

ATSA remains required for Enhanced AT-CTI graduates

The plan continues to tie Enhanced AT-CTI to the broader hiring pipeline. Graduates still must pass the ATSA, be selected by the FAA, and meet medical and security requirements—collegiate training does not replace core screening.

See what the ATSA is and ATSA test prep for candidate-focused preparation context (not official FAA instructions).

Academy and training capacity

Training capacity remains a primary constraint on workforce growth. The 2026–2028 plan states the FAA will:

  • operate the Academy at full capacity and expand classroom and instructor resources where possible;
  • modernize training infrastructure and expand simulation-based training;
  • improve placement of Academy graduates to facilities with the greatest staffing need;
  • use targeted training for successful candidates assigned to more complex facilities.

Even with higher hiring targets, class dates and field assignments can still involve waiting. Learn more in our FAA Academy guide.

What this means for air traffic controller applicants

  • Expect sustained hiring activity through FY 2028 under current planning assumptions.
  • Treat each vacancy announcement as competitive—prior hiring surges do not remove ATSA or clearance requirements.
  • Follow official communications on the continuous-flow hiring process rather than outdated eight-step descriptions alone.
  • Do not confuse macro staffing goals with individual selection or certified pay guarantees.

Preparation resources

If you are comparing commercial catalogs while researching FAA hiring, treat them as optional—not authoritative.

You may skim: FEAST-style practice, NAV CANADA–oriented prep, and FEAST 2–oriented notes from JobTestPrep. Publisher: JobTestPrep.

Compare paid products using our guides: Best ATSA Practice Tests, JobTestPrep ATSA Review, SkyTest Review, and ATC Preparation Review. For ATSA-style interactive practice: ATC Preparation ATSA software. SkyTest® FEAST editions: European ATCO, UK & Ireland, and Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Sources