An American Airlines Airbus A319 aircraft passes the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that the agency will increase the required amount of rest time for air traffic controllers in response to fatigue concerns amid staffing shortages.
The changes, which will take effect inside 90 days, will require controllers to rest at the very least 10 hours between shifts, no more than nine hours, and 12 hours before an evening shift.
“In my first few months at the helm of the FAA, I visited air traffic control facilities across the country — and heard concerns about the schedules that controllers always had,” FAA Administrator Mike Whittaker said in an announcement. Not getting enough rest,” FAA Administrator Mike Whittaker said in a statement. “With the security of our controllers and national airspace at all times in mind for the FAA, I take this very seriously – and we’re taking motion.”
The changes come as pressure mounts on the FAA to improve air travel safety during close calls at airports, as well as mechanical problems and production issues at some airlines. Boeing.
The shortage of air traffic controllers has been worsened by job disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing overtime and packed schedules for staff at some facilities. The agency hired 1,500 controllers last year and plans to hire 1,800 this year. Air traffic controllers in the US are required to retire at age 56.
The announcement came with an order from the FAA Reports Air traffic controllers on fatigue, which has recommended new rest requirements.
Credit : www.cnbc.com
