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FAA Training: Continued Improvements Needed in FAA's Controller Field Training Program

RCED-89-83 Published: Mar 29, 1989. Publicly Released: Apr 14, 1989.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) training of developmental and full-performance-level air traffic controllers, focusing on: (1) FAA changes to improve its training; and (2) whether FAA evaluated contractor-provided training, as required.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Sort descending Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation To improve its oversight of field training, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FAA, to: (1) establish milestones to ensure the timely development and implementation of the training tracking system; and (2) evaluate contractor performance, in view of the additional funds committed for contractor-provided training.
Closed – Implemented
FAA has developed milestones for deployment and operational testing of an automated training management system. FAA is developing an FAA order that will delineate the responsibilities of management for contractor oversight at each management level. FAA has also evaluated contractor training in response to the recommendation.
Department of Transportation To improve controller training programs, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FAA, to revise its training orders to: (1) limit, to the extent practicable, the number of instructors per developmental controller; (2) establish a uniform process for conducting controller certification evaluations; and (3) specify minimum time requirements for refresher training hours.
Closed – Implemented
FAA has prepared changes to a series of training orders in line with GAO recommendations.
Department of Transportation To improve controller training programs, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FAA, to ensure that facilities are providing required refresher training, such as training on backup systems.
Closed – Implemented
FAA has revised its training orders to include this requirement.
Department of Transportation To improve controller training programs, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FAA, to enhance refresher training methods for full-performance-level controllers, including increased use of videotapes and enhanced computer-based instruction.
Closed – Implemented
FAA has revised its training orders to include this requirement.

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Topics

Air traffic controllersBackup systemsContract oversightContract performanceEducation program evaluationEmployee trainingPersonnel managementStandards evaluationTransportation safetyVocational educationOn-the-job training