CFS 2026: From Academy to Facility: Rethinking ATC Training

Today at Communicating For Safety 2026, NATCA National Training Representative Jamaal Haltom, SAIC Global Aviation Strategy Executive Terry Biggio, FAA Vice President for Mission Support and Management Services Chris Wilbanks, and Adacel Business Development Director Mark DePlasco traced the path from the FAA Academy to a working facility, and where new training tech and workforce pressure are pulling that path in different directions. The group discussed what’s working in ATC training and what still needs more improvement.