Only three of the 132 FAA technical employees fired by the agency in mid-February under orders from the Trump administration have been reinstated to their jobs.
The new U.S. administration plans to “supercharge” the hiring of air traffic controllers as lawmakers prepare to scrutinize related infrastructure and staffing.
The commercial jet was within seconds of touching down on Runway 31C when it accelerated and climbed over the Challenger; the NTSB and FAA are investigating.
The aircraft-maker’s much-anticipated production rate increases on its key programs remain tied to quality improvement targets that appear to be in sight.
Recent government-wide layoffs have not affected any safety-critical employees in the FAA, Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau said in an agency-wide email.
A renewed focus on government cost-cutting raises questions on what may be ahead for Essential Air Service, which was in the crosshairs in Trump's first term.
