'Be ATC' and Join Our Team

By Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA Air Traffic Organization

I’m excited to announce that the next air traffic controller “Be ATC” application period will open May 5.

Last year we learned that many applicants were unaware of what the recruitment process would entail or where to check eligibility requirements. I’m a big believer in transparency and providing clear direction, so last week we published information about the hiring process, giving applicants time to prepare the best application possible. Anyone interested in applying this year should go to faa.gov/be-atc, where they can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

As we aggressively recruit the next generation, I’m also aware that changing aviation technologies will require new skill sets for positions that are not yet developed. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of space.

This week I had the opportunity to see SpaceX operations at SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. Selected by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration , the SpaceX Starship will be key to returning U.S. astronauts to the lunar surface and the establishment of a lunar base camp. Later the Starship will even enable crewed missions to Mars.

The FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation is expected to license the Starship-Super Heavy vehicle soon, which will be followed by the inaugural launch of the vehicle from Starbase.

The launch will represent the largest flying vehicle and the largest rocket ever produced. With twice the thrust of the Saturn V, the Starship-Super Heavy stands the height of Atlanta Tower.

Providing equitable access to the National Airspace System in a balanced manner, from the smallest drones to the largest rocket and everything in between, is an incredible challenge. I am so proud of our FAA employees who have worked with industry and SpaceX to ensure safety and efficiency during the first of many test launches that will eventually see astronauts travel to the Moon again.