US senators call for new funding for air traffic control training

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A bipartisan group of three U.S. senators on Tuesday called for new funding to boost air traffic control staffing, speed training of new controllers and provide new incentives to retain aviation workers. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senators John Hoeven and Jerry Moran introduced legislation that would authorize $100 million over five years for tower simulators at Air Traffic Control facilities nationwide, which could reduce time needed to certify an air traffic controller by 27%. Shaheen said the bill would "expand traffic controller workforce pipeline, enhance training facilities and equipment, improve recruitment and retention efforts."