The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced new regulations that will require air traffic controllers to have increased rest time between shifts. The changes come in response to concerns over fatigue among controllers, which have been exacerbated by a staffing shortage. The FAA will require controllers to have at least 10 hours of rest between shifts, up from the previous requirement of nine hours, and 12 hours of rest before an overnight shift.
The decision to increase rest time was influenced by FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker’s visits to air traffic control facilities across the country, where he heard concerns about inadequate rest schedules. Whitaker emphasized that the safety of controllers and the national airspace are top priorities for the FAA, leading to the implementation of these new regulations.
The shortage of air traffic controllers has been an ongoing issue, with the pause in hiring during the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating the problem. This has resulted in forced overtime and packed schedules for staff at some facilities. To address this issue, the FAA hired 1,500 controllers last year and plans to hire an additional 1,800 this year. It is worth noting that air traffic controllers in the U.S. are required to retire at age 56.
The announcement of increased rest time requirements coincided with an FAA-ordered report on air traffic controller fatigue, which recommended the implementation of these new regulations. The FAA is under increasing pressure to improve air travel safety following a series of close calls at airports, as well as mechanical issues at certain airlines and production problems at Boeing.
These new regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with fatigue among air traffic controllers. Fatigue can impair cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and reaction times, all of which are crucial in maintaining safe and efficient air travel. By ensuring that controllers have sufficient rest between shifts, the FAA hopes to reduce the likelihood of errors or accidents resulting from fatigue-related issues.
In conclusion, the FAA’s decision to increase rest time for air traffic controllers is a significant step towards improving air travel safety. By addressing concerns over fatigue and implementing stricter regulations, the FAA aims to enhance the well-being of controllers and ensure the efficient and safe functioning of the national airspace. These changes will not only alleviate the strain on current staff but also contribute to attracting and retaining qualified individuals in the field of air traffic control.
 has implemented new regulations requiring air traffic controllers to have increased rest time between shifts, addressing concerns over fatigue exacerbated by a staffing shortage. Controllers will now have at least 10 hours of rest between shifts and 12 hours before overnight shifts. The decision was influenced by FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker's visits to facilities nationwide, prioritizing controller safety and airspace security. The FAA has addressed the shortage by hiring 1,500 controllers last year and plans to hire an additional 1,800 this year. These regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with fatigue, ensuring safe and efficient air travel.){kind=link}