ATC
REALITY

An interactive look at the challenges facing America's air traffic controllers.

Explore the skies
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ATC REALITY
LIVE AIRSPACE
VISUALIZATION
Live Washington DC
0
Aircraft
0k
Max Alt
0s
Updated
Drag to rotate • Scroll to zoom • Click aircraft for info
Data & Charts
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Inflation (CPI)
+0%
ATC Pay
+0%
Real Loss
−0%
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics • 2016–2025
More Data Coming Soon

We're working on it!

Additional charts and data visualizations
will be available soon.

Check back for updates on staffing levels, overtime hours, and more
Staffing Crisis
~3,000
Controllers below target staffing levels
Current Staffing 77% of target

The FAA has struggled to hire and retain enough controllers to meet demand. Training takes 2-4 years, and many facilities are operating with mandatory overtime just to maintain basic coverage.

Fatigue & Safety
6 days
Max consecutive workdays
10 hrs
Max shift length
10 hrs
Min rest between shifts
N/A

Understaffing forces controllers into grueling schedules. Fatigue remains a significant safety concern across facilities nationwide.

About This Project

Every dot you see represents a real aircraft, tracked live via ADS-B. Behind each flight are air traffic controllers working to keep the skies safe.

This visualization highlights the challenges they face: stagnant pay, chronic understaffing, and fatigue-inducing schedules.

Controllers deserve fair compensation that keeps pace with inflation and working conditions that prioritize safety.

Want to support ATC workers?
Learn More at Future ATC Non-Profit.org
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