WFMY News 2 found the FAA removed details from its report about air traffic controller hiring issues, including how Biden-era diversity initiatives worked.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — After two deadly plane crashes in one week, concerns are mounting about air traffic controller shortages. As the public searches for answers, WFMY News 2’s Ben Briscoe discovered that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) removed hiring details from an annual report posted to its website.
FAA alters hiring report
Each year, the FAA releases an Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan, outlining hiring strategies to address staffing shortages at towers like the one at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI). However, Briscoe uncovered that the FAA recently replaced its 78-page 2024 report with a slimmed-down 11-page version.
What the FAA kept in the report
Both versions confirm North Carolina airports are behind on staffing. At the time of the report:
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Greensboro needed to hire one more air traffic controller to meet union recommendations.
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Charlotte needed four more.
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Nationally, the FAA faced …