High-Flying Controversy: Did Pete Buttigieg Give Air Traffic Controller Standards the Axe?

The world of air traffic control just got a turbocharged dose of drama, courtesy of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s recent comments. Duffy has accused former Secretary Pete Buttigieg of lowering the standards for air traffic controllers, specifically claiming that the passing score on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment dropped from a challenging 85% to a seemingly less demanding 80%. It sounds like a small change, but in the high-stakes world of aviation, even a percentage point can make a huge difference.

But that’s not the only jaw-dropper here. Duffy claims that this alleged change has led to a staggering 30% dropout rate in the training academy. Imagine spending hours studying only to discover that, thanks to a little number shift, you might not be deemed “well-qualified” anymore. Duffy’s comments came during an episode of the “Pod Force One” podcast, proving yet again that some of the juiciest revelations aren’t discussed in formal hearings—but in casual chats!

Now, it’s essential to remember that Buttigieg’s camp is pushing back hard. His spokesperson has pointed out the absence of any public announcement about lowering these standards and has cheekily suggested that if Duffy had real proof, he might want to share it. So, is this an honest critique or just a politically charged attempt to score points? It’s the kind of saga that makes you wonder if we’re all just one tweet away from witnessing the next big aviation scandal!

What do you think about lowering standards for crucial jobs like air traffic control? Are you on Team Duffy or Team Buttigieg in this high-altitude showdown?

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