OKC Standard

This week, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, along with other members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation, expressed their support for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City. In a letter addressed to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker, the members urged the FAA to make full use of the center's capabilities, particularly in air traffic controller training.

"The FAA Academy provides centralized, standardized, and efficient training to about 20,000 students each year. As conversations continue regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers (ATC) and the need to bolster aviation safety, it is vital that the value MMAC brings to the FAA is properly utilized," the members wrote.

The letter was signed by Senator James Lankford and Representatives Tom Cole, Frank Lucas, Kevin Hern, Stephanie Bice, and Josh Brecheen, all from Oklahoma.

MMAC, located in Oklahoma City, is a significant hub for aviation-related activities. It houses important FAA assets such as the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) and the FAA Academy. With over 6,300 federal employees, MMAC plays a crucial role in supporting the aviation industry and is one of the largest Department of Transportation facilities outside of Washington, DC.

Regarding the FAA Academy at MMAC, the members emphasized its capacity to train air traffic controllers. "The FAA Academy has the capacity to host the current ATC hiring goal and can expand its capacity to host even double the current throughput," the letter stated. The members stressed the importance of centralized and standardized training in maintaining safety in the National Airspace System (NAS) and opposed any efforts to duplicate the training elsewhere. They believe that the quality of training provided at the FAA Academy cannot be replaced.

In conclusion, the members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation urged Administrator Whitaker to maximize the training capacity at MMAC to address the shortage of air traffic controllers. They expressed their commitment to supporting and strengthening the safety-first mission of MMAC and its employees.

This letter demonstrates the united support of the Oklahoma congressional delegation for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and its role in aviation safety and training.