RETENTION IS THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE WE'RE FACING

The only real solution is to PAY US WHAT WE'RE WORTH.

The Crisis: Experienced CPCs Are Leaving – Our Skies Can't Afford It Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) – the seasoned experts in towers and centers across the country, guide millions of flights safely every year. But stagnant pay for over a decade, combined with record traffic, burnout, and rising costs, is pushing these pros out faster than replacements can arrive.

This retention crisis threatens public safety, increases delays, and undermines FAA modernization efforts. Without competitive compensation for experienced CPCs, phase 2 upgrades (digital systems, cloud migration, new facilities) will lack the institutional knowledge needed to succeed.

Why This Matters to Everyone

  • More experienced CPCs leaving = higher risk of errors and disruptions.
  • Travelers face longer delays and canceled flights.
  • The national economy and aviation safety depend on retaining these pros.

Our Demands: Pay the Pros What They're Worth No more half-measure MOUs or small-group fixes. We need equitable, across-the-board changes for Certified Professional Controllers:

  • Significant across-the-board base pay increase (25-30% catch-up to end stagnation and match economic realities)
  • Increase locality pay and adjust for high-cost areas
  • Increase and/or eliminate level caps
  • 15% night premium
  • 25% Saturday premium
  • Longevity bonuses for time at the same facility
  • Tiered overtime premiums (higher for call-ins)
  • 25% CIC premium where applicable
  • Total income (including overtime) counting toward retirement
  • Increase TSP match based on actual earnings
  • Strengthen the annual June raise and protect it during transfers

These reforms stop the exodus and keep expertise where it's needed most.

Urgent Call to Action: Get CPC Retention Funding in FAA Phase 2 – NOW!

The FAA has hit a funding wall for phase 2 of air traffic control modernization. After the initial $12.5 billion down payment, Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed more funds are essential and Congress is expected to act soon to keep the aggressive 2028 completion target on track.

This is our window: The next funding round (potentially $20 billion+) must include dedicated CPC retention pay. Without it, modernization fails, shortages worsen, and safety suffers.

Demand Pay for the Pros in FAA Phase 2 Funding – Act Today! Experienced CPCs are essential to making phase 2 work. Congress must add significant pay increases for Certified Professional Controllers before the money is allocated.

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