# FAA Workforce Plan 2026-2028 Guide

> The FAA Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan 2026-2028 outlines hiring targets, three strategic pillars, ATSA requirements, Academy capacity.

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This page summarizes the FAA’s official [Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan 2026-2028 (PDF)](https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/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](https://www.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](https://www.faa.gov/atc-hiring) and USAJOBS.

For the prior edition, see our [FAA Controller Workforce Plan 2025-2028](/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](/faa/controller-workforce-plan-2025-2028/) and [FAA FY 2027 controller hiring and training](/faa/fy-2027-controller-hiring-budget/) 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](/atsa/what-is-the-atsa/) and [ATSA test prep](/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](/faa/training/) 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](/faa/hiring-process/) rather than outdated eight-step descriptions alone.
-   Do not confuse macro staffing goals with individual selection or certified pay guarantees.

## Optional vendor shortcuts (commercial)

If you want optional paid prep aligned with this page topic, compare these options:

-   [ATSA Practice Tests](https://www.atsapracticetests.com/?utm_source=atcpracticetest.com&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=follow)
-   [JobTestPrep ATSA course](https://www.jobtestprep.com/atsa-course#richard)
-   [ATC Preparation ATSA software](https://atcpreparation.com/atsa-preparation-software?ac=atcpracticetest)
-   [ATC Preparation ATSA personality test](https://atcpreparation.com/atsa-personality-test?ac=atcpracticetest)
-   [JobTestPrep ATC aptitude catalog](https://www.jobtestprep.com/air-traffic-controller#richard)

Use review-first comparison: [Best ATSA Practice Tests](/reviews/best-atsa-practice-tests/), [ATSA Practice Tests Review](/reviews/atsa-practice-tests-review/), [JobTestPrep ATSA Review](/reviews/jobtestprep-atsa-review/), [ATC Preparation Review](/reviews/atc-preparation-review/), and [SkyTest Review](/reviews/skytest-review/).

## Preparation resources

Official FAA hiring steps change over time. Commercial prep may help some candidates practice aptitude-style tasks, but it cannot replace authorized FAA, USAJOBS, or testing communications.

You may still compare: [FEAST-style practice](https://www.jobtestprep.com/feast-test-practice#richard), [NAV CANADA-oriented prep](https://www.jobtestprep.com/nav-canada-air-traffic-control-test-prep#richard), and [FEAST 2-oriented notes](https://www.jobtestprep.com/feast2-test-guide#richard) from JobTestPrep. Publisher: JobTestPrep.

Editorial reviews: [Best ATSA Practice Tests](/reviews/best-atsa-practice-tests/), [ATSA Practice Tests Review](/reviews/atsa-practice-tests-review/), [JobTestPrep ATSA Review](/reviews/jobtestprep-atsa-review/), [SkyTest Review](/reviews/skytest-review/), and [ATC Preparation Review](/reviews/atc-preparation-review/). For ATSA-only practice, start with [ATSA Practice Tests](https://www.atsapracticetests.com/?utm_source=atcpracticetest.com&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=follow). For ATSA practice: [ATC Preparation ATSA software](https://atcpreparation.com/atsa-preparation-software?ac=atcpracticetest). See our [SkyTest Review](/reviews/skytest-review/) and SkyTest® FEAST editions: [European ATCO](https://www.skytest.com/PZn3J.html), [UK & Ireland](https://www.skytest.com/pBRWw.html), and [Germany, Austria & Switzerland](https://www.skytest.com/PfbJQ.html).

Verify pricing, access windows, and refund policies on the vendor website before purchasing.

## Sources

-   FAA. [Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan 2026-2028 (PDF)](https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Air-Traffic-Controller-Workforce-Plan-2026-2028.pdf). Published May 15, 2026.
-   FAA. [FAA Releases Bold, New Air Traffic Controller Hiring Plan](https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-releases-bold-new-air-traffic-controller-hiring-plan). May 2026 news release.
-   FAA. [Air Traffic Controller Hiring](https://www.faa.gov/atc-hiring)
-   [USAJOBS](https://www.usajobs.gov/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Comparing paid prep (optional)

If you want a broad commercial browse, start with [ATSA Practice Tests](https://www.atsapracticetests.com/?utm_source=atcpracticetest.com&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=follow). You may also open [general ATC aptitude pages](https://www.jobtestprep.com/air-traffic-controller#richard) or [FAA ATSA-oriented prep](https://www.jobtestprep.com/atsa-course#richard) from JobTestPrep, or [ATC Preparation ATSA software](https://atcpreparation.com/atsa-preparation-software?ac=atcpracticetest) via our [ATC Preparation Review](/reviews/atc-preparation-review/). Use them alongside - not instead of - official sources.

## Related guides

-   [FAA air traffic controller hiring process](/faa/hiring-process/)
-   [FAA Controller Workforce Plan 2025-2028](/faa/controller-workforce-plan-2025-2028/) (prior edition summary)
-   [FAA FY 2027 controller hiring and training](/faa/fy-2027-controller-hiring-budget/)
-   [What is the ATSA?](/atsa/what-is-the-atsa/)
-   [FAA Academy](/faa/training/)
-   [FAA hub](/faa/)