Musk Pleads with Retired Air Traffic Controllers Amidst Self-Made Shortage
Amidst recent air travel safety concerns and following previous FAA job cuts under the Trump administration, Elon Musk appealed to retired air traffic controllers to return to work, citing a shortage of qualified personnel. This call comes despite assurances from the Department of Transportation that critical safety positions, including air traffic control, were not affected by the layoffs. Musk’s statement on X/Twitter highlights a perceived need for experienced controllers, contrasting with official claims. The timing of the appeal coincides with public anxieties over a recent increase in near misses and accidents, though these have been deemed largely anomalous by experts.