FAA sends support team to assist controllers at DCA.
Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025
The FAA is deploying a Critical Incident Stress Management team to support air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This decision follows several troubling incidents, including a fatal air collision and an altercation involving a controller. Alongside this initiative, the agency is conducting regular wellness checks and increasing recruitment efforts to address staffing shortages. The FAA aims to improve the situation after a series of events raised concerns about the safety and well-being of air traffic controllers.
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that a “Critical Incident Stress Management” team will visit the air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in early April. This initiative comes in response to a series of concerning incidents that have taken place at the airport since the beginning of the year. The team will provide confidential support to help staff cope with the stress following these events.
In addition to the management team, the FAA has implemented regular wellness checks for controllers at the facility. The urgent need for these measures has been highlighted by recent occurrences, including a tragic air collision and an altercation involving a controller.
On January 29, a devastating incident occurred at DCA when a US Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet, leading to 67 fatalities. More recently, a physical fight within the control tower resulted in the arrest of a 39-year-old controller, who was charged with assault and battery. That controller has since been placed on leave by the FAA as investigations continue.
A close call further escalated concerns about air traffic safety when a Delta Air Lines plane took off while T-38 jets from an Air Force flyover were in proximity, a situation attributed to a breakdown in communication. This mishap was highlighted by Senator Ted Cruz during a congressional hearing, emphasizing the severe stress under which air traffic controllers are currently operating.
The FAA has responded to the current situation by increasing the number of operational supervisors at DCA from six to eight. Following the January collision, the FAA noted that one controller was handling dual positions for more than five hours, signaling a troubling staffing trend. The agency is currently reviewing the staffing levels for controllers, noting that only approximately 70% of the staffing targets were met by fully certified controllers at airports nationwide as of September 2023.
To address ongoing staffing shortages that leave around 3,000 air traffic control positions unfilled across the country, the FAA is ramping up recruitment efforts, which includes offering enhanced pay and bonuses for new controllers. Furthermore, the FAA is evaluating the rate at which planes are allowed to land at DCA. Initially, the limit on hourly arrivals was reduced to 26 after the January incident but has since been increased to 30, with future plans to restore the number back to 32.
Amid all these developments, reports have surfaced from air traffic controllers expressing feelings of heightened stress and burnout. The combination of these strain factors and the ongoing staffing challenges has put significant pressure on the air traffic control organization at Reagan Airport and is a primary focus for the FAA moving forward.
The team is designed to provide confidential support for air traffic controllers following stressful events at the airport.
Key incidents include a fatal air collision, an assault charge against a controller, and a significant communication breakdown leading to a near-miss situation.
Staffing shortages have led to controllers feeling overworked and stressed, contributing to burnout and operational risks.
The FAA is increasing recruitment efforts, enhancing salaries, and offering bonuses to attract new controllers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Management | Critical Incident Stress Management team to support controllers after stress events |
| Recent Incidents | 67 fatalities from a collision, controller arrest, communication breakdown |
| Staffing Issues | Only 70% of staffing targets met; around 3,000 positions vacant |
| Response Actions | Increased supervisors, improved recruitment, salary incentives |
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