They Knew: The ATC Crisis
99.4% of air traffic control facilities in America are understaffed. Controllers averaging five hours of sleep. Overtime up 308% since 2013. The FAA buried its own safety studies for four years — and after 67 people died at Reagan National, only 5 of 24 recommendations were completed. This wasn't an accident. It was a choice.
Key Findings
99.4%
Of FAA air traffic control facilities are understaffed — only 2 of 313 meet targets
2,400
Controller shortage nationwide — mandatory overtime up 308% since 2013
5 of 24
FAA safety recommendations completed after the 2023 near-miss surge
92%
Of towered airports have zero surface surveillance — controllers look out the window
