FAA firings put definition of ‘safety-critical’ under scrutiny

The Air Current
Will Guisbond
18 February 2025

Confusion, uncertainty set in as layoffs take effect at U.S. aviation regulator

The Federal Aviation Administration’s abrupt termination of probationary employees that began Feb. 14 has sparked confusion and anger as the industry and broader public watch the focus of the Trump Administration’s cost-cutting and workforce reduction efforts turn to the country’s aviation regulator.

The move, which followed last week’s arrival of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the FAA, has so far affected administrative and support personnel within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), which is responsible for the safe operation of the national airspace system (NAS), as well as the Aviation Safety organization (AVS), which is responsible for oversight of manufacturers, operators and others who participate in the NAS.

Read on: FAA firings put definition of 'safety-critical' under scrutiny - The Air Current