DALLAS — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now accepting applications for its summer internship program, which will run from June 9 to August 15, 2025.

The program is open to students from various educational backgrounds, including air traffic control, aviation management, business administration, computer science, economics, engineering, and information technology.

The U.S. is grappling with challenges in air traffic control and aviation management, primarily stemming from understaffing and outdated technology. Currently, the FAA employs approximately 14,000 air traffic controllers, which falls short of the optimal staffing level of 12,000, as suggested by some experts. This persistent staffing shortage has its roots in 1981 when President Reagan dismissed most controllers during a strike, and its impact on air traffic operations has persisted ever since.

Furthermore, the technological infrastructure supporting air traffic control is also in need of modernization. Many U.S. airports still rely on outdated paper strips for flight tracking, a practice that Canada abandoned over two decades ago. The FAA is actively working on replacing radar with GPS tracking for more precise aircraft location data, which is often likened to the transition from an “impressionist painting to HDTV.” However, maintaining legacy systems is costly, and some of the equipment is so antiquated that manufacturers no longer provide support or replacement parts.

To address these issues, several solutions are being considered. The latest FAA reauthorization bill proposes hiring thousands of new air traffic controllers, expanding the training academy, and implementing a comprehensive recruitment plan for instructors and safety personnel. Additionally, the Senate has proposed an US$18 billion investment to modernize the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system and enhance technology to prevent runway collisions.

Applicants for the FAA 2025 summer internship program must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program, and in good academic standing. Additionally, students may earn academic credit for their internship. The application period is open until November 29, 2024. Interested applicants can submit their applications through the USAJobs website.

The FAA will host several virtual information sessions to provide applicants with more information about the program. These sessions will be held next week on November 13, 19, 22, and 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register for any of these sessions, click here.