After several incidents involving air traffic controllers found sleeping on duty during the last weeks, FAA now urgently was in need to change ATC scheduling practices to ensure safety.
Federal Aviation Administration today announced changes that will allow controllers more time for rest between shifts.
“We expect controllers to come to work rested and ready to work and take personal responsibility for safety in the control towers. We have zero tolerance for sleeping on the job,” said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “Safety is our top priority and we will continue to make whatever changes are necessary.”
“Research shows us that giving people the chance for even an additional one hour of rest during critical periods in a schedule can improve work performance and reduce the potential for fatigue,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Taking advantage of the time you have to rest is also a professional responsibility.”
The new scheduling rules have already been put in place and will be fully in effect by the end of the week:
- Controllers will now have a minimum of nine hours off between shifts. Currently they may have as few as eight.
- Controllers will no longer be able to swap shifts unless they have a minimum of 9 hours off between the last shift they worked and the one they want to begin.
- Controllers will no longer be able to switch to an unscheduled midnight shift following a day off.
- FAA managers will schedule their own shifts in a way to ensure greater coverage in the early morning and late night hours.