ATC News

Washington Post

FAA’s $30 billion modernization request needs conditions, not just funding

Congress should tie approval of Sean Duffy’s $30 billion FAA modernization request to enforceable requirements, including redundant physical routes, milestone-based funding and integrated staff training. The proposal argues that the scale of the investment alone will not ensure a durable modernization plan.

Washington Post

High activity

Army report attributes 2025 DCA midair collision that killed 67 to systemic failures

A U.S. Army investigation into the collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport cites systemic breakdowns, including two failed radio transmissions that left the helicopter crew without critical air traffic control information. The report also identifies poor visibility and recommends sweeping changes.

FlightGlobal

DLR simulations test dynamic flight-path recalculation for idle-thrust approaches at busy airports

The German Aerospace Center tested a concept that recalculates aircraft vertical profiles when tactical speed changes occur, aiming to keep idle-thrust approaches feasible in busy terminal airspace. The simulations assess whether flight paths can adapt to operational changes without abandoning the approach strategy.

Washington Post

New policy gives Washington National advance warning of Marine One departures after August communications incident

A new policy aims to give Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) extra warning when Marine One takes off. The change follows an August safety incident involving communications between President Donald Trump’s helicopter and the airport, located just outside Washington.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA hires record 2,235 air traffic controller trainees in fiscal 2026, but chronic shortage persists

The FAA recruited 2,235 air traffic controller trainees in fiscal year 2026, exceeding its hiring target and setting an agency record. The milestone strengthens the staffing pipeline, but the agency continues to face a chronic controller shortage that remains an operational constraint.

ch-aviation

Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay sign MoU for a regional “single sky”

Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance a regional “single sky” framework. The agreement signals closer coordination on airspace management and could shape future approaches to cross-border air traffic operations among the four South American countries.

FlightGlobal

Ryanair carries 20.1 million passengers in September despite more than 1,000 cancellations linked to UK ATC disruptions, strikes

Ryanair’s September traffic rose 4% year on year to 20.1 million passengers, even as the carrier cancelled more than 1,000 flights. The airline attributed the disruption to two UK air traffic control incidents, strike action in Belgium and volcanic activity at Mount Etna.

Airline Weekly

Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster on fuel costs, AI and air traffic control disruptions

Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster discusses the pressures facing the airline, including fuel economics, artificial intelligence and air traffic control meltdowns, in an interview with Gordon Smith at Skift Global Forum in New York.