Air traffic controllers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport have too little time off between shifts, according to a federal audit released Thursday. The report by the U.S. Department of Transportation criticised the Federal Aviation Administration for not acting sooner to alleviate air traffic controller fatigue at three of the country's busiest air traffic control facilities and recommended immediate changes. The audit showed most controllers at the three Chicago ATC facilities have had fewer than 10 hours rest between some shifts, progressively earlier start times on consecutive shifts and increased overtime hours. "This type of work schedule offers minimal opportunity for sleep when the time required for commuting, eating and other necessary daily activities is taken into account," the report said. The report stated that the FAA has failed to act on earlier National Transportation Safety Board recommendations on controller fatigue and that the agency "does not consistently address human factors issues, such as fatigue and situational awareness" in incident investigations. Source: Associated Press, 2 July 2009. tinyurl.com/neesfg13 July 2009
Report highlights Chicago air traffic controller fatigue
Air traffic controllers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport have too little time off between shifts, according to a federal audit released Thursday. The report by the U.S. Department of Transportation criticised the Federal Aviation Administration for not acting sooner to alleviate air traffic controller fatigue at three of the country's busiest air traffic control facilities and recommended immediate changes. The audit showed most controllers at the three Chicago ATC facilities have had fewer than 10 hours rest between some shifts, progressively earlier start times on consecutive shifts and increased overtime hours. "This type of work schedule offers minimal opportunity for sleep when the time required for commuting, eating and other necessary daily activities is taken into account," the report said. The report stated that the FAA has failed to act on earlier National Transportation Safety Board recommendations on controller fatigue and that the agency "does not consistently address human factors issues, such as fatigue and situational awareness" in incident investigations. Source: Associated Press, 2 July 2009. tinyurl.com/neesfg
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