Another Air Controller Naps on Job - in Miami - the fifth known incident to be disclosed by the government since March -
The Federal Aviation Administration is changing air traffic controllers' work schedules most likely to cause fatigue following another incident in which a controller fell asleep while on duty, this time at a radar center in Miami.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement Saturday that the agency will be making changes to controllers' work schedules most likely to induce fatigue. He didn't describe those changes, but said they will take place within 72 hours.
"We are taking important steps today that will make a real difference in fighting air traffic controller fatigue. But we know we will need to do more. This is just the beginning," Babbitt said.
The latest sleeping incident -- the fifth to be disclosed by FAA since late March -- occurred early Saturday morning at a busy regional facility that handles high-altitude air traffic.
According to a preliminary review of air traffic tapes, the controller did not miss any calls from aircraft and there was no impact to flight operations, the agency said. The controller, who was working an overnight shift, has been suspended.
Prior to the start of the shift, all controllers were given a briefing on professionalism and the importance of reporting to work fit for duty, FAA said. The incident was reported to a manager by another controller, the agency said. There were 12 controllers on duty and two managers, it said.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Babbitt were briefed on the incident early this morning by David Grizzle, acting chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization.
Last week, FAA announced it was ending its practice of single-staffing some airport towers where traffic is light between midnight and 6 a.m. But aviation safety experts said more needs to be done to address the broader problem of fatigue-inducing schedules that don't allow controllers realistic opportunities for sleep between shifts.
Earlier this week, the head of the FAA's air traffic operations resigned.
On Monday, Babbitt and Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, will begin visiting air traffic control facilities to hear what controllers have to say and to remind them that sleeping on the job won't be tolerated. Their first stop is Atlanta, home of the world's busiest airport.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/16/faa-issues-new-schedules-air-controller-falls-asleep/#ixzz1JiPgUtVn
The Federal Aviation Administration is changing air traffic controllers' work schedules most likely to cause fatigue following another incident in which a controller fell asleep while on duty, this time at a radar center in Miami.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement Saturday that the agency will be making changes to controllers' work schedules most likely to induce fatigue. He didn't describe those changes, but said they will take place within 72 hours.
"We are taking important steps today that will make a real difference in fighting air traffic controller fatigue. But we know we will need to do more. This is just the beginning," Babbitt said.
The latest sleeping incident -- the fifth to be disclosed by FAA since late March -- occurred early Saturday morning at a busy regional facility that handles high-altitude air traffic.
According to a preliminary review of air traffic tapes, the controller did not miss any calls from aircraft and there was no impact to flight operations, the agency said. The controller, who was working an overnight shift, has been suspended.
Prior to the start of the shift, all controllers were given a briefing on professionalism and the importance of reporting to work fit for duty, FAA said. The incident was reported to a manager by another controller, the agency said. There were 12 controllers on duty and two managers, it said.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Babbitt were briefed on the incident early this morning by David Grizzle, acting chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization.
Last week, FAA announced it was ending its practice of single-staffing some airport towers where traffic is light between midnight and 6 a.m. But aviation safety experts said more needs to be done to address the broader problem of fatigue-inducing schedules that don't allow controllers realistic opportunities for sleep between shifts.
Earlier this week, the head of the FAA's air traffic operations resigned.
On Monday, Babbitt and Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, will begin visiting air traffic control facilities to hear what controllers have to say and to remind them that sleeping on the job won't be tolerated. Their first stop is Atlanta, home of the world's busiest airport.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/16/faa-issues-new-schedules-air-controller-falls-asleep/#ixzz1JiPgUtVn
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