Here's another "oh shit" takeaway from from seeing CRWG laid out like this:
Whatever idiot House/Senate committee will see that every non-24hr level 4 & 5 tower needs ~50% more staffing than what current standards are (~14 vs ~9) and hit the FCT button for them. All these level 5 & 6 up/downs that were consolidated away only delayed their inevitable death by privatization. And when the FAA doesn't have to worry about training people for and staffing all these level 4s and 5s they created, suddenly that ~1,600 per year through the academy doesn't seem as unreasonable. 🤯😳
Not sure what you're saying but I think it's prepare for more facility realignment/consolidation. And you'd be correct. I mentioned that in a NiW thread that one of the asks was for more F&E money for new facilities (in the fine print related to realignment/consolidation). One thing NATCA leadership never mentions in their FAA Reauthorization propaganda is this doozy that will be in the bill signed by the President:
SEC. 623. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.
(a) Examination.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study to examine consolidating or otherwise reorganizing air traffic control facilities and the management of airspace controlled by such facilities.
(2) Contents.--In the study required under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center shall--
(A) evaluate the potential efficiencies that may result from a reorganization;
(B) identify whether certain areas prone to airspace congestion or facility staff shortages would benefit from any enhanced flexibilities or operational changes; and
(C) recommend opportunities for integration of separate facilities to create a more collaborative and efficient traffic control environment.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the federally funded research and development center shall consult with the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the federally funded research and development center shall submit to the Administrator a report detailing the findings of the study required under subsection (a) and recommendations related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities and locations.
(c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after receiving the report under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study under subsection (a) and any recommendations under subsection (b) related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities and locations.
