(NewsNation) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, for his handling of the Federal Aviation Administration under former President Joe Biden.
Duffy, who is scheduled to join NewsNation’s “On Balance” Wednesday night, accused Buttigieg of lowering the requirements to be considered a “best-qualified” air traffic control candidate on a new episode of the New York Post’s “Pod Force One.”
“They lowered the standard from 85% to 80% to be ‘best-qualified’ under Buttigieg to get these people into the academy,” Duffy said.
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Duffy claims this change ultimately led to a spike in dropout rates at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.
In response, a spokesperson for Buttigieg told the New York Post, “If [Duffy] had any proof to back up what he said, it seems like they’d provide it.”
Buttigieg has previously spoken out against claims he changed the standards. In February, Buttigieg wrote on X, “To be abundantly clear: we did not change the rigorous standard for becoming a certified air traffic controller. Those claiming otherwise are mistaken or lying. We did increase funding & training and grew the ATC workforce after years of declining numbers, including under Trump.”
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For months, the FAA has grappled with trying to address an air traffic controller staffing shortage amid a series of delays and devastating crashes. In August, the Federal Aviation Administration plans to hire nearly 9,000 air traffic controllers by 2028, but it likely won’t solve its nationwide shortage of controllers outright.
The strain on the air traffic control system has been especially evident at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport, which experienced delays and cancellations after several tech outages in May.
Earlier this year, Duffy announced increased plans to “supercharge” the air traffic control workforce. As part of this, starting salaries for air traffic controller students will increase by nearly 30%. He has also announced a 20% salary bonus for anyone eligible to retire but below the mandatory retirement age who decides to stay on.
