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AINonline • Kerry Lynch

FAA trims 2026 certified controller target by ~2,000, setting goal at 12,563

The FAA’s 2026 hiring plan cuts the certified controller target to 12,563, down from 14,633 in the agency’s 2025 plan. The change highlights continued pressure from a chronically understaffed ATC system and a recalibration of near-term workforce expectations.

2026-05-18T10:40:00.140495-07:00

The Air Current

FAA chief Bryan Bedford to tell Congress May 19 that the US air traffic control system has “reached its limits”

2026-05-18T08:14:42.737136-07:00

ch-aviation

Nigeria’s Pioneer Airlines secures AOC for unscheduled flights, moves toward scheduled passenger operations

2026-05-18T03:53:44.718008-07:00

Task & Purpose

US Navy EA-18G Growlers collide midair at Idaho air show; all four crew eject safely

2026-05-17T12:51:13.509349-07:00

News Timeline

AINonline

FAA trims 2026 certified controller target by ~2,000, setting goal at 12,563 The FAA’s 2026 hiring plan cuts the certified controller target to 12,563, down from 14,633 in the agency’s 2025 plan. The change highlights continued pressure from a chronically understaffed ATC system and a recalibration of near-term workforce expectations.

2026-05-18T10:40:00.140495-07:00

FAA trims 2026 certified controller target by ~2,000, setting goal at 12,563

The Air Current

FAA chief Bryan Bedford to tell Congress May 19 that the US air traffic control system has “reached its limits” FAA chief Bryan Bedford will testify to Congress on May 19 that the U.S. air traffic control system has “reached its limits.” The message underscores operational strain facing the National Airspace System and sets up lawmakers’ scrutiny of FAA modernization and near-term capacity resilience.

2026-05-18T08:14:42.737136-07:00

FAA chief Bryan Bedford to tell Congress May 19 that the US air traffic control system has “reached its limits”

ch-aviation

Nigeria’s Pioneer Airlines secures AOC for unscheduled flights, moves toward scheduled passenger operations Pioneer Airlines (Bayelsa), Nigeria, has received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for unscheduled flights, effective May 13. The carrier is now seeking NCA approval to begin scheduled passenger services.

2026-05-18T03:53:44.718008-07:00

Nigeria’s Pioneer Airlines secures AOC for unscheduled flights, moves toward scheduled passenger operations

ch-aviation

Uzbek CAA denies Air Fergana has been certified Uzbekistan’s civil aviation authority (CAA) has denied that Air Fergana has been certified, signaling a dispute or correction to public claims about the carrier’s regulatory status. The development points to ongoing scrutiny of certification/authorization in Uzbekistan’s aviation market.

2026-05-17T22:12:17.865326-07:00

Uzbek CAA denies Air Fergana has been certified

Task & Purpose

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US Navy EA-18G Growlers collide midair at Idaho air show; all four crew eject safely Two US Navy Boeing EA-18G Growlers collided during an air show in Idaho, becoming entangled and plummeting to the ground. Officials said all four crew members ejected safely before the jets crashed, with video showing the aircraft spinning as they fell.

2026-05-17T12:51:13.509349-07:00

US Navy EA-18G Growlers collide midair at Idaho air show; all four crew eject safely

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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Emirates Boeing 777 declares Mayday in Miami after two landing attempts—fuel emergency triggered by extended flight time An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER flight from Dubai to Miami faced a fuel emergency after arriving later than planned amid thunderstorms, missed an initial landing attempt due to wind shear and poor visibility, and was forced into a second go-around. Pilots then declared Mayday after minimum-fuel became critical.

2026-05-17T10:30:22.546288-07:00

Emirates Boeing 777 declares Mayday in Miami after two landing attempts—fuel emergency triggered by extended flight time

Aviation Week

RAF puts APKWS on frontline Typhoon jets for counter-UAS in the Middle East The Royal Air Force has begun operational use of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighters deployed in the Middle East, moving from testing to frontline service in under two months. The low-cost guided-rocket option is intended to improve engagement of one-way attack drones.

2026-05-16T16:10:48.963293-07:00

RAF puts APKWS on frontline Typhoon jets for counter-UAS in the Middle East

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

British Airways incident: crewman accidentally activates Boeing 777 emergency slide on second day, delaying Heathrow–Dulles depa A brand-new British Airways flight attendant, on his second day of work, accidentally activated an emergency evacuation slide on a Boeing 777-200 ahead of a London Heathrow–Washington Dulles flight. The incident forced a six-hour delay to the transatlantic departure on Saturday afternoon.

2026-05-16T13:10:55.855219-07:00

British Airways incident: crewman accidentally activates Boeing 777 emergency slide on second day, delaying Heathrow–Dulles depa

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Aviation Safety & Regulation News

FAA trims 2026 certified controller target by ~2,000, setting goal at 12,563

FAA chief Bryan Bedford to tell Congress May 19 that the US air traffic control system has “reached its limits”

Nigeria’s Pioneer Airlines secures AOC for unscheduled flights, moves toward scheduled passenger operations

US Navy EA-18G Growlers collide midair at Idaho air show; all four crew eject safely

News Timeline