The FAA is preparing a massive overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system, investing tens of billions of dollars into new equipment at airports and control centers. Going back to former President Ronald Reagan’s administration, both Republican and Democratic administrations have put forth efforts to upgrade the air traffic control system, but instead numerous short-term fixes were implemented, rather than a comprehensive overhaul. It took almost 20 years to completely rebuild the air traffic control system after President Ronald Reagan fired 11,345 controllers who went on strike in August 1981. The agency expects to hire at least 8,900 new air traffic controllers through 2028, while nearly 7,000 are projected to leave over the same period. For decades, the FAA’s main air traffic control training program in Oklahoma City has been the only way for prospective controllers to get training and get hired.