Air Traffic Controllers Gone Wild? Not Really

The FAA, media and public currently are taking a close look at the sleeping habits of are traffic controllers. With good reason. Controllers are just that...controllers. They are in charge of ensuring airplanes and the skies are safe. They guide and keep planes from flying into each other, giving weather reports and other incidents as they arise. Recently seven controllers were caught sleeping. One was on the graveyard shift working alone at a regional tower. Another was sleeping at a busy Florida site and another at the Atlanta airport. Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world.

I'm a shift worker and I can sympathize to some degree with the air traffic controllers. I've worked shift work for most of my career. I've worked the straight night shift and I've worked alternating weeks between night and day shifts. I've worked 8 and 12 hour graveyard shifts. The worst shifts to work are 12 hour night shift and the alternating day/night shift. Mix in overtime with regular shifts and it can make for a tired worker.

Given the safety critical nature of air traffic controller's job, regulations should be in place to make sure they are properly rested. First off, limit them to 8 hour shifts unless emergency or shortage. In such a shortage or emergency, no more that a 12 hours shift should be allowed. Another suggestion is to stagger some of the shifts. Overlapping shift, especially at night, keeps rested workers coming in through out the day and night. A minimum of two controllers on shift at night. Also a cap on hours or consecutive days/nights worked should be in place. If there is a shortage, hire more controllers and use military or national guards as a stop gap measure.

One controversial idea is to let controllers nap on the job. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood declared that,"On my watch, controllers will not be paid to take naps." While a nice grandstand, there is merit to allow them to nap. A 20 or 30 minute nap can do miracles especially if the worker is over worked. Public safety is paramount not political considerations of policy. Other countries allow paid naps. I see no reason not to consider the idea.

One last thought. Considering the scrutiny air traffic controllers are under, why was one watching a movie on the job?