Elon Musk called Thursday for retired air traffic controllers to consider returning to work amid staffing shortages — but a federal law means doing so isn't so simple. The big picture: Hiring shortages have long plagued air traffic controllers in already stressful roles overseeing critical airspace,

Billionaire Elon Musk is asking for some retired air traffic controllers to consider returning to work to assist with the shortage of "top-notch" staffing.

The Federal Aviation Administration is close to canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to provide vital air traffic control services in favor of Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to the Washington Post.