Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

S 697 establishes the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 to strengthen training and retention for air traffic controllers. It creates a $20 million annual grant program (2026-2031) for colleges to develop enhanced curriculum, faculty support, and equipment for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), directly benefiting institutions and future controllers. The bill also mandates a committee to modernize CTI curricula and the Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam, while adding retention bonuses for certified controllers. Additionally, it requires new mental health training for controllers and aviation medical examiners, and a report on airport radar systems. These changes aim to improve workforce pipeline efficiency and controller well-being.