FAA: Wave of Departures Has ‘No Impact’ on Aviation Safety

Flying Mag
Jack Daleo
29 May 2025

‘Safety-critical’ employees are exempt from the hiring freeze and deferred resignation program implemented across the federal government.

Despite an agencywide exodus of personnel, the FAA says aviation safety remains unaffected.

An FAA spokesperson told FLYING that “safety-critical” positions such as air traffic controllers remain exempt from the deferred resignation program (DRP) offered by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported has been taken by more than 1,200 employees.

The departure of staff—including senior leaders—comes amid scrutiny over the fatal January collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) and staffing and equipment issues that have disrupted air travel.

Read on:  FAA: Wave of Departures Has ‘No Impact’ on Aviation Safety - Flying Mag - 29 May 2025