Seems Sydney Airport doesn't have enough ATC staff

[Chris2303]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/111604584/flights-disrupted-at-sydney-airport-as-air-traffic-control-at-breaking-point

[mikk_13]

The figures, obtained through a freedom of information request, show Airservices Australia controllers in Sydney Airport’s control tower and radar control centre worked an average of 140 hours, or almost four weeks, overtime each in 2018. That compared to 101 hours, or just under three weeks, each in 2016.

4 weeks of overtime each............. and used to be 101. Wtf

[27/09]

Don't think the problem is unique to Air Services, judging by the airspace closures and other restrictions that have happened in NZ recently. All due to staffing issues it appears. Stuff should have a look closer to home. Oh that's right, they don't do much work for themselves they just regurgitate what other new providers produce.

[Tarq57]

Stuff ran at least three stories about ATC staffing in NZ over the preceding month.

[hmmmitsjustme]

Given the tower did about 8000 hours overtime last year between say 40 staff, I can assure you the real number is a lot higher....and thats only the average. The reported average number has been dragged down due to the approach unit not needing as much overtime to run.

[phildan89]

Back of Envelope: 114x4 weeks = 456 weeks / 46 weeks per year on the roster = about 10 controllers.


Plus on top of that you need to allow for rostered days off as well. Roughly based on a four day on, two day off roster, add another four controllers...

[C441]

Friday morning 29 March.
ABC news are reporting the Tower's been evacuated due to a fire alarm.
Seems there's a few arrivals on 34L but not a lot of departures and a far bit of holding for the recent arrivals.
A couple of diversions in there too.

[Doxer]

I'm getting fat from all the overtime food.

[sunnySA]

Given the tower did about 8000 hours overtime last year between say 40 staff, I can assure you the real number is a lot higher....and thats only the average. The reported average number has been dragged down due to the approach unit not needing as much overtime to run.
True, and if the median was quoted (middle point of a number set, in which half the numbers are above the median and half are below) then the figures would be significantly higher.

[Smythe]

worked an average of 140 hours, or almost four weeks, overtime each in 2018.

In a 50 week year, that is less that 3 hours of OT a week...that does not seem excessive by any means. You may average that just by covering for someone who is sick.

[Pavement]

In a 50 week year, that is less that 3 hours of OT a week...that does not seem excessive by any means. You may average that just by covering for someone who is sick.

It might not sound like a lot broken into hours per week but that’s one shift a fortnight if you do it all in one shift. So of your four days off each and every fortnight you’re giving up a day. One day less that you’re not seeing family and friends. One more day that you’re worried that if you make the smallest error you’ll be sitting on the bench.

Really, what sort of system is going to be sustainable when it is dependent on overtime. Meanwhile bonuses are still paid.

[Bend alot]

A normal 38 hr a week worker gets paid pretty much for 2,000 hrs a year.

So Overtime of 8,000 hrs a year, is close to 5 full time workers.

The year prior should have lead to more recruitment.