FAA, air traffic controllers union agree to fatigue recommendations

“We are pleased that the efforts of the joint NATCA-FAA fatigue workgroup that produced these science-based recommendations have resulted in an agreement and their implementation into the schedules and work environments of our nation’s dedicated and highly professional air traffic controller workforce,” NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said, also in a written statement.

“We supported the FAA’s action to enhance aviation safety by eliminating single staffing on the midnight shift and we fully support these recommendations that address fatigue,” Rinaldi continued. “They are common sense solutions to a safety problem that NATCA and fatigue experts have consistently raised for many years.”

The groups said they would continue to work to develop new work schedules for air traffic controllers. Currently, controllers have to be given at least 9 hours off between shifts.