Air Traffic Controller Workforce - Air traffic controllers are expected to receive pay stubs indicating zero pay for the upcoming week [1] - Many air traffic controllers cannot afford to miss two paychecks [1] - The air system is already short 2,000 to 3,000 air traffic controllers [2] - Current situation is making it more challenging to retain controllers, potentially leading to controllers leaving the system [2] Potential Consequences - Air traffic controllers may need to seek second jobs or change careers due to financial strain [2] - This situation could have long-term impacts on the air system [3]

Air Traffic Control & Staffing - FAA faces a shortage of thousands of air traffic controllers, potentially leading to delays but not compromising safety [4] - The FAA reauthorization bill addressed the air traffic control shortage by changing hiring practices [6] - All 2,000 seats at the academy are filled, indicating efforts to address the staffing shortage [6] - Air traffic controllers are showing up to work despite potential pay issues due to the shutdown [3] Impact of Government Shutdown - The government shutdown could lead to a holiday travel season disaster [7] - Individuals may miss nutrition programs and flights due to the shutdown [8] - A continuing resolution extending to December 2026 is being considered to keep the government open [9] - Reopening the government and passing a clean CR are proposed solutions [7][8] Safety & Operations - It is safe to fly, and safety will not be compromised [10][11] - Delays are expected due to staffing and weather issues [4][11] - Ground stops at airports, like JFK, are occurring due to staffing and weather [1]

Air traffic controllers will receive their first “zero paychecks” on Tuesday, day 28 of the government shutdown. (Photo: The Denver Post via Getty Images) https://t.co/nDxIXHtPMJ https://t.co/KaktoYOW6d ...

And joining me now is Jack Chris. He is an air traffic controller at Joint Base Andrews, now working a second job as a Door Dash delivery driver to help get by as this shutdown stretches on. We should say he is speaking on his own behalf.Jack, thanks so much for being with us. How you doing today. >> I'm doing quite well.Thanks for having me on. >> You know, the Secretary of Transportation, Shawn Duffy, has discouraged air traffic controllers like you from taking on side jobs. But did you really feel like y ...

Air Traffic Controller Sick Calls Are Ramping Up—Expect Flight Delays To Climbhttps://t.co/3m26DGPEIn https://t.co/hHMeJhrLYx ...

Air traffic control is inherently a stressful job. It's one in which it requires intense focus every day. We have to be 100% right 100% of the time.Uh not knowing exactly how I'm going to have child care for my kids or put gas in the car or pay the next mortgage payment adds a certain level of stress onto an already stressful profession. Uh it's just very difficult. The longer that this goes on, the more you know any savings that I may have start to dwindle.But it's just really important that we all get pai ...

Air traffic controllers are pulling 60-hour workweeks with no pay—an unsustainable situation that led to absenteeism in previous shutdowns. https://t.co/6iujPMIbvp (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) https://t.co/6HqyjrJNtf ...

FAA’s ‘Hiring Supercharge’ Hits A Bottleneck—Not Enough Instructors To Train New Air Traffic Recruits https://t.co/YrOrjYYBJZ ...

Air Traffic Control & Infrastructure - The FAA is working to update air traffic control infrastructure and technology, with $125 billion allocated as a down payment towards the total $315 billion needed [4] - Air traffic control improvements are expected to yield a 10 to 20 times return on investment [5] - There is a deficit of 3,000 air traffic controllers, and efforts are underway to streamline the hiring process and retain existing controllers with a 20% bonus for those who stay on after 25 years of service [7][8] - The FAA plans to deploy sensors on busy runways to actively control planes and prevent near misses [11] Space Industry & Regulation - The Commercial Space Industry aims to expedite innovation and streamline regulation [1] - The US has 60% of the space launch business, down from 100%, due to excessive regulations, and the goal is to streamline processes to encourage more launches from America [34] - The cost to launch a satellite into space has decreased to a little over $1 million due to innovation from companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin [38] - The government aims to treat all space companies fairly, providing equitable access to launchpads and licensing to foster competition [41] Aviation Taxes & Privatization - Everyone using the airspace should help pay for it, often through fuel taxes [17] - Infrastructure usage, such as air traffic control, airports, and launchpads, should factor into taxation, with different structures for commercial and private aviation [19][20] - Privatizing air traffic control was considered but did not pass, and is not currently being pursued [20][21] Criticism of Previous Administration - The previous Secretary of DOT was criticized for focusing on DEI and climate initiatives instead of addressing basic infrastructure needs [24] - $7 billion allocated for charging stations resulted in only 84 being built due to regulations related to DEI and green initiatives [29]

Safety Incident - FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) reports an air traffic controller failed to properly alert a plane before a crash near D.C [1]