In case of a federal government shutdown, Congressman Frank Lucas has filed legislation to keep the Air Traffic Controller Academy running. Lucas’ AERO Act (H.R. 2563) would allow the Academy to keep training air traffic controllers in the event of a lapse in appropriation.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Controller Academy is located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. Currently, when the federal government experiences a shutdown due to Congress failing to pass appropriations or stop gap measures, the Academy freezes its activities.
“It remains abundantly clear that keeping our skies safe is a paramount priority of the Trump administration,” said Lucas. “That is why I am working alongside government leaders and stakeholders to ensure the Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City is able to operate at its full capacity. The Academy serves a fundamental role in the overall safety of the aviation industry. We must protect it at all costs.”
Lucas wants to build on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s work to streamline the process of enrolling students in the FAA Academy.
