CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Politics

FAA Grant Hold-Up Could Deepen Aircraft Mechanic Shortage Ahead of Thanksgiving, Lawmakers Warn

01:11 AM, 11/25/2025
FAA Grant Hold-Up Could Deepen Aircraft Mechanic Shortage Ahead of Thanksgiving, Lawmakers Warn

Twenty-one House Democrats say the FAA's delay in awarding congressionally authorized workforce grants could deepen a shortage of aircraft mechanics ahead of Thanksgiving. Lawmakers questioned the legality of the pause and linked it to revisions removing DEI language from applications. The grants—worth tens of millions—fund training for pilots and mechanics as demand grows; the Aviation Technician Education Council estimates roughly a 10% shortfall in certified mechanics. Women make up under 3% of maintenance workers, highlighting pipeline challenges.

Washington — Twenty-one Democratic members of the U.S. House warned that a federal delay in releasing funds for an aviation workforce grant program could worsen a shortage of aircraft mechanics just ahead of Thanksgiving, one of the nation's busiest travel periods.

In a letter to Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, the lawmakers questioned whether the agency may be unlawfully withholding grants that Congress has already authorized. The letter — signed by Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Rick Larsen, Andre Carson and others — said the delays threaten critical workforce training at a time when the industry is vulnerable.

"These ongoing delays are stalling critical aviation workforce development at a time when the industry can least afford it," the lawmakers wrote. "Any further delay or denial of these critical grants would disregard the law and constitute a dereliction of duty to ensure safety in our skies."

The hold-up follows reporting indicating some grant applications were being revised to remove references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The FAA said it will respond directly to the lawmakers.

Why the grants matter

Congress established the FAA workforce grant program to provide tens of millions of dollars for training new pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and mechanics. Supporters say this funding is critical as planemakers such as Boeing and Airbus increase production and the industry faces growing demand for qualified technicians.

  • Mechanic shortfall: The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) estimates the United States may face about a 10% shortfall in certified mechanics this year.
  • Pipeline diversity: Women account for under 3% of U.S. aircraft maintenance workers, and some targeted programs aim to broaden the workforce. Critics of DEI programs argue such initiatives can disadvantage others and undermine merit-based hiring.
  • Operational strain: The aviation system is coping with aging air-traffic infrastructure and the aftereffects of a 43-day government shutdown that contributed to thousands of delays and worsened controller shortages.

Some organizations that had applied for the workforce grants say they were told to resubmit applications after those documents were rewritten. Grant recipients and industry groups warn further delays could impede recruitment and training efforts that keep flights safe and on schedule.

The FAA has not yet publicly released a timeline for awarding the grants and said it will reply to the members of Congress directly.

Reporters: Allison Lampert and David Shepardson

Similar Articles

Trending