American Aviation Act, Sec. 1028 ("Air Traffic Control Training")

Summary

Mandates the Administrator to carry out a research program assessing the benefits of deploying advanced technologies such as AI to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training for FAA air traffic controllers.

Requires the Administrator to include collaboration with labor organizations and other stakeholders in the research program.

Mandates the Administrator to report findings to Congress within 1 year of the Act's enactment.

Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to research modernizing and enhancing air traffic control training.

SEC. 1028. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.

(a) Research.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall carry out a research program to evaluate opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training and training time for individuals seeking to become certified professional controllers of the FAA, as required by the Administrator.

Mandates the Administrator to collaborate with labor organizations to assess the benefits of deploying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance air traffic controller training.

(b) Requirements.—In carrying out the research program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1) assess the benefits of deploying and using advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, adaptive computer-based simulation, virtual reality, or augmented reality, or any other technology determined appropriate by the Administrator, to enhance air traffic controller knowledge retention and controller performance, strengthen safety, and improve the effectiveness of training time; and

(2) include collaboration with labor organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, and other stakeholders.

Requires the Administrator to report research findings to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment.

(c) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the findings of the research under subsection (a).

Prohibits the mandates of the section from delaying the installation of tower simulation systems at FAA air traffic facilities.

(d) Rule Of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to delay the installation of tower simulation systems by the Administrator at FAA air traffic facilities across the national airspace system.