Thursday, July 25, 2024
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a landmark agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) aimed at ensuring that air traffic controllers receive sufficient rest between shifts. This agreement is designed to help controllers maintain the high safety standards required for their essential work.
The new pact will facilitate the implementation of long-term, systematic changes based on recommendations from a recent panel of experts. These changes are intended to address identified opportunities for improvement, enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic management.
With this agreement, both the FAA and NATCA reaffirm their commitment to the well-being of air traffic controllers and the safety of the flying public.
“The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed. Today, after collaborating with NATCA, we are pleased to announce important progress for the flying public on the issue of fatigue,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This is the beginning of our work, not the end. We will continue to collaborate and take steps to prioritize controllers’ health and well-being on behalf of the public.”
“NATCA is pleased that the FAA recognized the importance of working with NATCA to address the issue of fatigue,” said NATCA President Rich Santa. “NATCA has been voicing concern regarding controller fatigue for years and we are happy to join with the FAA to implement changes that will begin to provide relief to this understaffed workforce.”
“We commend the FAA and NATCA for taking these actions that reflect the Scientific Expert Panel findings and will significantly address air traffic controller fatigue risks including the four priority opportunities identified, and improve the safety of the National Airspace System,” said Dr. Mark Rosekind, Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, and Dr. Charles Czeisler, the members of the Scientific Expert Panel on Air Traffic Controller Safety, Work Hours, and Health.
FAA and NATCA Announce New Measures to Improve Air Traffic Controller Schedules and Safety
As part of ongoing negotiations for next year’s schedules, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) have reached an agreement to enhance the working conditions and safety of air traffic controllers. Key components of the agreement include:
- Increased Rest Periods: Controllers will now receive 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after midnight shifts.
- Overtime Limitations: There will be restrictions on the number of consecutive overtime assignments to prevent fatigue.
- Recuperative Breaks: New procedures and educational programs will be implemented to ensure more effective use of current recuperative breaks.
To further address controller fatigue, the FAA and NATCA will establish a collaborative workgroup in consultation with scientific experts. This group will work alongside the expanded FAA’s Fatigue Risk Management System Fatigue Safety Steering Committee to develop recommendations based on the April 2024 expert report.
In addition to these fatigue management measures, the FAA is committed to expanding the air traffic controller workforce. The agency is on track to hire 1,800 controllers this year and has enhanced the training pipeline to support increased hiring and training efforts.
These initiatives underscore the FAA’s dedication to improving the working conditions of air traffic controllers and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air traffic system.
