WASHINGTON, DC – As concerns over flight safety continue to grow, Elon Musk has made a plea for experienced air traffic controllers to come out of retirement in order to address the shortage of skilled aviation workers in the United States.

Musk, known for his role in the government’s cost-cutting task force, has expressed a keen interest in overhauling the Federal Aviation Agency and implementing rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system.

This call to action comes in the wake of a deadly plane crash in Washington, DC, and a series of near-misses, prompting Musk to urge retired air traffic controllers to consider returning to work to help alleviate the shortage of qualified personnel in the industry.

During a social media post on his platform X, Musk emphasized the importance of having top-notch air traffic controllers in the system and encouraged those who have retired to consider rejoining the workforce to help bolster flight safety.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also been actively involved in efforts to upgrade the aviation system, citing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team for their contributions. Despite recent layoffs of around 400 FAA staffers, Duffy has reassured that no air traffic controllers or critical safety personnel were affected by the restructuring.

The aviation industry faced another setback with a fatal mid-air crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and personnel in the air traffic control sector.

In response to escalating concerns, Musk’s call for retired air traffic controllers to return to work highlights the critical need for skilled professionals in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States.

Recent incidents, including a Delta Air Lines jet flipping upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and reports of possible smoke on Delta flights, have underscored the importance of having well-trained and experienced air traffic controllers in the aviation system.

Despite the challenges facing the industry, experts caution against panicking over the perceived aviation crisis, attributing increased media coverage to heightened awareness of aviation incidents. Marco Chan, a former pilot and senior lecturer, emphasized the role of social media in magnifying the exposure of aviation accidents, urging for a balanced perspective on the industry’s challenges and achievements.