Tim Arel, age 57, is stepping down from his post as Chief Operating Officer of the FAA air traffic organization. Arel has 40 years of government service, including 33 years at the FAA. He assumed the role of air traffic COO in 2022. According to a spokesperson, he is participating in the voluntary deferred retirement program offered by the current Republican administration.
Considering his years of service, and considering the very attractive severance package that the government is offering the ATC’s, I’d hardly say it was DOGE, but rather good sense and intelligence by a man who wishes to enjoy his later years.
That’s a good theory. I hope you’re right. But it could also be that this is the tip of the brain-drain iceberg at our 12 thanks to the random firings etc.
There are many taking the retirement option (very lucrative, and began before the current President fyi). Also, there are many in training right now for these positions. Some supervisory staff has been promoted to training positions. However, as in many trades today, finding warm bodies that really want to work is a challenge…
Okay, let’s set aside the question of the subject’s motivations and timing. This plan to get experienced folks to retire early seems like a step in the wrong direction to me, at least, you know, if it is working… FAA needs more good people, not fewer.
Remember, we’re talking about a guy who is advancing his retirement date by around eight months or so. The [Insert Government Program Name here] program may have affected the timing of his retirement, but not that it was imminent.