U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost Tours Central Florida TRACON and Orlando ATCT

On May 29, U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (Fla.-10) visited the Central Florida TRACON (F11) and Orlando ATCT (MCO). He was accompanied by his District Director Jason Henry and his Press Secretary Kelsey Watts. F11 Local President Oscar Ortiz, Ashley Olsen (F11), and MCO Local President Jeremy Heinback facilitated the visit. Doug Lowe, the Regional Vice President of PASS (Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO) Region II, was also present to provide input.

During the visit, Rep. Frost received a comprehensive briefing on staffing and needed infrastructure updates at F11. Rep. Frost was also apprised of the implementation of the CRWG and the importance of federal benefits in the recruitment and retention of aviation safety professionals. NATCA’s representatives also provided insight into required overtime work and challenges faced by the FAA in hiring and retaining controllers.

After the visit, Rep. Frost posted on social media. “Today, I toured MCO air traffic control tower [and the Central Florida TRACON] and met with the workers who are facing the impacts of [staffing] shortages while working to keep flight operations running safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Frost. “To keep our skies safe, Congress must invest in our FAA workers and infrastructure on the ground.”