Improvements Needed in FAA's Management of Air Traffic Controller Activities and Programs

A review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) management of air traffic controller activities showed that: air traffic control terminals and centers had fewer controllers than provided for by FAA staffing standards, controllers are not receiving sufficient training in the use of broadband radar, and interviews and psychological tests have not been effective in screening controller candidates. The FAA should: review the air traffic control staffing standard system to assure that it adequately reflects staffing needs, assure that controllers have achieved acceptable levels of proficiency in the use of broadband radar, evaluate the role and effectiveness of interviews and psychological testing in the screening of controller candidates and the need for providing interviewers with special training, consider strengthening the research program at the Civil Aeromedical Institute, and evaluate whether incentives should be provided to encourage air traffic control instructors to serve 4 years at the FAA training academy.