SUBJECT: Eliminating Bottlenecks: Examining Opportunities to Recruit, Retain, and Engage Aviation Talent
DATE: July 10, 2024
OVERVIEW:
The Subcommittee on Aviation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure convened to explore workforce challenges in the aviation industry. The hearing addressed critical issues affecting the recruitment, retention, and engagement of aviation talent, including pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and safety inspectors. Discussions focused on the provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 designed to address workforce bottlenecks, enhance career pathways, and modernize training and hiring practices to sustain U.S. leadership in aviation safety and innovation.
HEARING RECORDING LINK: https://transportation.house.gov
Witnesses:
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Matthew "Monty" Montgomery, Department Chair, Department of Professional Aviation, Louisiana Tech University
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Michael Robbins, President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
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Joanne "Jo" Damato, Senior Vice President of Education, Training, and Workforce Development, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
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David J. Spero, National President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS)
Key Themes & Highlights
Republican Concerns:
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Workforce Shortages:
Republicans underscored the critical need to address shortages of aviation professionals, particularly air traffic controllers and pilots. They highlighted the growing gap between retirements and new hires as a pressing concern. -
Cost of Entry:
Discussed the financial barriers for aspiring pilots and mechanics, criticizing the high cost of training and certification as a deterrent to workforce growth. -
Streamlining Processes:
Emphasized the need for the FAA to reduce regulatory bottlenecks in pilot certifications, air traffic controller training, and hiring processes.
Democratic Concerns:
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Diversity and Inclusion:
Democrats stressed the importance of increasing diversity within the aviation workforce, advocating for programs to support underrepresented groups and low-income communities in pursuing aviation careers. -
Mental Health Support:
Highlighted the need for better mental health resources for aviation professionals, particularly air traffic controllers and pilots, who face high levels of stress. -
Modernizing Education:
Called for investment in educational programs and partnerships between the government, industry, and educational institutions to create robust talent pipelines.
Witness Testimonies:
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Matthew "Monty" Montgomery: Detailed the challenges faced by aviation schools, including shortages of flight instructors and the high cost of flight training. He emphasized the need for increased funding, streamlined hiring of instructors, and better forecasting of industry demands.
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Michael Robbins: Discussed the growing demand for skilled workers in the uncrewed vehicle systems sector, emphasizing the importance of workforce development to meet technological advancements in drones and other innovations.
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Joanne "Jo" Damato: Highlighted the role of business aviation in workforce development, advocating for targeted investments in training programs and educational outreach to address skills gaps.
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David J. Spero: Addressed staffing challenges in aviation safety roles, calling for improved FAA hiring practices and increased support for technical training programs to sustain safety standards.
Contentious Points:
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Republicans: Focused on reducing costs and regulatory barriers to training and employment in aviation. They argued for prioritizing practical solutions over expansive government programs.
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Democrats: Advocated for systemic changes, including expanded funding for education and workforce diversity initiatives, arguing that these investments are essential for long-term industry sustainability.
Key Discussions:
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Training Costs:
Explored ways to reduce the financial burden of training, including grants, loan forgiveness programs, and expanded eligibility for federal funding. -
FAA Workforce Challenges:
Debated the sufficiency of FAA staffing and the effectiveness of current hiring practices, emphasizing the need to address bottlenecks in critical areas like air traffic control and safety inspection. -
Emerging Technologies:
Discussed the need for skilled workers to support innovations in drones and advanced air mobility, including tailored training programs and certifications.
In-Depth Points
Statements and Interactions from Congressional Officials:
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Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA): Highlighted the urgency of addressing workforce shortages across the aviation sector, emphasizing that delays in hiring and training have ripple effects on industry growth and safety.
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Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN): Advocated for equitable workforce development, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a stronger aviation industry.
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Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD): Focused on reducing bureaucratic delays in FAA processes, urging the agency to adopt more efficient hiring and certification practices.
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Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS): Discussed the need for federal investment in aviation education programs, particularly in underserved areas, to expand career opportunities.