FAA takes further action to combat fatigue for air traffic controllers
May 10, 2011, 12:43 pm
The Federal Aviation Administration recently released a statement that highlights further solutions to quell the recent epidemic of sleepy air traffic controllers. Big changes are already underway to improve the functionality of air traffic control and address the issues surrounding overnight employees.
In 2000, the FAA published a study of the effects of napping on overnight employees and found that employees who were instructed to nap before or during their shifts performed better overall than those who did not get extra rest.
Even with well-rested air traffic controllers, accidents can still happen so it would be wise for pilots to invest in pilot insurance.
The FAA will be assigning three of its veteran members to oversee the terminal operations of the agency's airport towers and the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, which is one of the administration's more complex facilities. Scheduling practice alterations, such as requiring additional overnight operators to be present and giving controllers extra time between shifts to get enough rest, will be implemented.
The press release stated that an independent review panel has been formed to observe the training process for new air traffic controllers to ensure that they are being properly prepared for the job.
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