Title: Air Traffic Controllers Will Face A Staffing Crisis Every 25 Years
Headings: Why Air Traffic Controllers Face A Staffing Crisis Every 25 Years
Why Air Traffic Controllers Face A Staffing Crisis Every 25 Years
Vivian Giang

Content: “I was almost envious of the ones who got fired," he said. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has repeatedly warned the FAA of demanding work schedules and exhausted air traffic controllers have been the suspects of plane crash investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board. At the beginning of 2011, the FAA faced significant public distrust as several napping incidents involving air traffic controllers during their shifts became known through media attention and the NATCA recommended that the FAA reconsider staffing levels. In some countries, such as Germany, France and Japan, air traffic controllers are encouraged to take naps to combat fatigue. In other safety sensitive positions – firefighters, doctors and ambulance personnel – beds and resting areas are provided during shift breaks in order to fight exhaustion. In 2009, approximately 80% of general aviation fatal accidents were directly related to human errors. Upon the completion of their technical training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Okla., controllers are either placed in highly active airports, which requires at least two years of additional training, or less hectic airports, which only requires an additional six months of training. But whether an air traffic controller is assigned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International or Oakland International is not based on scoring or aptitude. “One would think that people who score higher would go to the more complex centers but that’s not typically the case,” McGuirk said. “ I don’t think there is any reason behind the decisions and that troubles me.”