NextGen ATC Training: How Kent State Is Fixing the FAA’s Staffing Emergency

As the United States grapples with a shortage of air traffic controllers and aging infrastructure, Kent State University is stepping up to support solutions for the aviation industry. The university’s College of Aerospace & Engineering plays a vital role as a feeder institution for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, training future air traffic controllers in a highly selective process.

The shortage is stark — while the industry ideally requires 14,000 controllers, only about 10,800 are currently active. This gap is being felt across the nation, especially following several aviation accidents that have brought attention to the state of air traffic operations, despite no direct links to controller error.

Students at Kent State are passionate but face a challenging path. From extensive testing and psychological evaluations to medical and background checks, candidates often wait months or even years before gaining acceptance into the FAA Academy. The process, some say, is too slow to match the urgency of the staffing crisis.

The FAA has acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to accelerate recruitment. More than 10,000 candidates applied earlier this year, with 8,300 advancing to testing. The agency is also increasing starting salaries to boost interest and retention.

Technology is another critical hurdle. Despite being one of the world’s most advanced economies, the U.S. air traffic system still uses outdated methods like paper flight progress strips. Leaders warn that modernization is essential as drone and autonomous aircraft technologies expand into commercial skies.

With one of the most congested airspaces in the world, experts argue the U.S. must act swiftly — both in recruiting skilled controllers and modernizing its systems — or face significant operational consequences in the near future.

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