WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of

three senators on Tuesday called for new funding to boost air

traffic control staffing, speed training of new controllers and

new incentives to retain aviation workers.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senators

John Hoeven and Jerry Moran introduced legislation that would

authorize $100 million for tower simulators at Air Traffic

Control facilities nationwide, which could reduce time needed to

certify an air traffic controller by 27%.

A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights

and, at many facilities, controllers are working mandatory

overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts.