The "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" seeks to significantly improve the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic controller workforce through enhanced training and retention strategies. It mandates the maintenance and expansion of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, including the Enhanced-CTI program, allowing for non-competitive appointment of graduates to air traffic controller positions. A new grant program is established to provide institutions of higher education with funds for curriculum development, faculty, simulators, and other necessary supplies for the Enhanced-CTI program, authorizing $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

The bill also convenes an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to comprehensively review and modernize the curricula of the FAA's air traffic technical training academy, the CTI programs, and the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam. This committee, comprising diverse aviation stakeholders, will develop findings and recommendations to improve learning outcomes and controller facility placement determinations. Furthermore, it authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for the procurement and placement of Training System Simulators (TSS) at air traffic control facilities.

To boost recruitment and retention, the legislation requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a qualification incentive program for air traffic controller trainees and a retention incentive program for Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs). Additionally, it mandates the Administrator to establish a training course for mental health providers and Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to better understand and address air traffic controller mental health conditions. Finally, the bill requires a report on the status of the Airport Non-cooperative Surveillance Radar (ANSR) program, including funding needs and solutions for detecting non-cooperative flying objects.