Elon Musk’s DOGE team to visit US FAA command centre for aviation system reform amid staffing concerns and safety issues.

In Short

Elon Musk’s team, DOGE, will visit the FAA’s Air Traffic Control centre to assess the current system and suggest improvements. Concerns over staffing shortages and Musk’s influence on FAA reforms have been raised by politicians amidst recent workforce cuts.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this plan via social media.

The DOGE team aims to observe the current air traffic control system, gather feedback from controllers, and propose improvements for a modern, safer system.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration reversed a decision, denying participation in a government incentive program for air traffic controllers and security personnel to exit their roles.

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union reported that hundreds of FAA probationary employees were terminated in these cuts, expressing concerns that this would overload the remaining workforce.

Musk responded to the DOGE visit by stating that air travel safety is a non-partisan issue and that SpaceX engineers will assist in enhancing safety measures.

This visit follows a recent incident involving a temporary failure of the FAA’s NOTAM pilot alerting system.

Senator Maria Cantwell has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding Musk’s involvement with FAA reforms, referencing a fine imposed on SpaceX by the agency.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and John Hoeven have called for increased FAA staffing, highlighting a shortage of over 3,500 air traffic controllers.

Duffy has promised to enhance the air traffic control system and plans to announce further steps to boost training and recruitment in the near future.