FAA’s higher air traffic controller leaves a role after 40 years

Tim Ariel, head Federal Aviation Administration

Air traffic organization (FAA), is to retire early than what was expected after more than 40 years of service in the federal government, Reuters I mentioned Tuesday.

Ariel, who planned to retire by the end of 2025, will now step down in the next few months under US Department of Transport

Voluntary postponed retirement program.

The second round of acquisitions

Ariel, who supervised the daily operations Air traffic control

Services for more than 50,000 aircraft per day, led FAA

Air traffic organization (ATO) during a turbulent period. It runs the daily operations of ATO and leads more than 35,000 employees, according to the agency A website. Ariel has held the position of senior operating officials of the agency since 2022.

This is part of the second round of the acquisitions offered by the Ministry of Transport (DOT). On April 1, 2025, DOT extended a new purchase option for thousands of employees, allowing them to leave Reuters I mentioned. Employees will need to make a decision by Monday. It was the first round of the deferred resignation program in February.

His resignation follows a deadly collision of air near Washington, DC, who killed 67 people, along with that Increasing concerns about close calls in air traffic operations And the ongoing challenges with Lack of employment. Since the agency is struggling with increasing interest in safety issues in the American airspace, the announcement of Ariel’s retirement comes at a critical time for FAA.

“He committed to staying for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition,” A Reuters spokesman said.

New management in DCA

Ariel’s departure comes just weeks after FAA Replace many senior managers At air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport. In the aftermath of the deadly collision of air in January, along with many disturbing mistakes and the material argument among employees in the air traffic control tower, the Federal Aviation Administration appointed a new team at Reagan National Airport and replaced three senior managers. This change is part of a wider response to the collision of January and subsequent safety concerns.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated that a new DCA team was brought to provide stronger support for the workforce. Priorities include reviewing safety data trends, addressing performance problems, and ensuring that training in the facility is constantly comprehensive with national standards.

According to Reuters, FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controller than the required number of employees, and has sparked a series of incidents close to scales in recent years. The flights have been delayed due to the continuous control unit, and many facilities have control units that operate for six days, and ask for additional work.

Exit surrounded by safety concerns

In January, tragic Air collision 67 people, including passengers, were killed on board US Airlines

A plane and crew from a Black Hawk helicopter in the US Army. The accident was a reminder of the risks offered by air traffic congestion and the challenges of coordinating different types of aircraft in this airspace that is tightly controlled.

While the investigations are still ongoing, the early results from NTSB indicated that the concerned helicopter was flying at a higher altitude than the permitted during the training mission. Including FAA response to the tragedy Tightening the restrictions imposed on the air aircraft of the helicopter About the airport and increase employment in the control tower.

The Federal Aviation Administration also warned last week that it might restrict the arrival of airlines in Reagan. The CISM team will also visit the airport to provide employees with secret assistance, and the number of supervisors working from six to eight will increase.

Two weeks ago, Mays Between a Delta Airlines

A319 and a group of Air Force aircraft approaching the Arlington National Cemetery warned to warn the Cockpings of the Delta, which still raises additional safety concerns.