FAA creates new regulations to manage problem of sleeping air traffic controllers
May 9, 2011, 12:57 pm
As a number of concerning situations involving air traffic controllers sleeping on the job have recently come to light, the Federal Aviation Administration has introduced new regulations to help prevent the problem, according to the Associated Press.
The group has announced that it will immediately expand night air traffic control staff, by adding a second controller to 26 airports across the country which previously only had one controller on the midnight shift.
Government officials have expressed outrage at these incidents and the potential impact they can have on aviation safety.
"I am totally outraged by these incidents. This is absolutely unacceptable," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "The American public trusts us to run a safe system. Safety is our number one priority and I am committed to working 24/7 until these problems are corrected."
General aviation pilots may be especially dependent on airport staff for safe landings as they may have fewer resources available than major airliners. As these incidents reveal potential holes in the safety precautions of airports, pilots may need to increase both their vigilance and preparation for an unfortunate situation. Having pilot life insurance may be one of the planning tools that can help provide for an aviator's family should a tragedy occur.
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