FAA ATC Fatigue report-April 2024

[10JQKA]

Also posted in Rumours & News but really belongs here.

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/statement-faa-administrator-mike-whitaker

[visibility3miles]

From the link you provided:

As an initial step, I will require 10 hours off between shifts (https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/media/fatigue_standard_directive_4192024_signed.pdf), and 12 hours off before a midnight shift, effective in 90 days, consistent with the expert panel’s recommendations. I am also directing the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service to ensure the agency has a robust methodology to ensure compliance with this direction.

Note that the ten hours off is an increase from nine hours off.

The New York Times had a story about this subject:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/19/business/faa-air-traffic-controllers-close-calls.html?unlocked_article_code=1.l00.p28X.P4BzWX4cyHNh&smid=url-share

The F.A.A. established the panel in December (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/business/faa-air-traffic-controllers.html) in the wake of a New York Times investigation (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/02/business/air-traffic-controllers-safety.html) that revealed how a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers had resulted in an exhausted and demoralized work force that was increasingly prone to making dangerous mistakes. Many air traffic controllers were working round-the-clock schedules that had pushed them to the psychological and physical brink.The Times reported that virtually all of the nation’s air traffic control sites were understaffed, forcing many controllers to work 10-hour days, six days a week.

[10JQKA]

NATCA response here.

https://www.natca.org/2024/04/19/natca-calls-on-faa-to-collaborate-on-air-traffic-controller-fatigue/

[10JQKA]

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-faa-delaying-start-new-air-traffic-control-rest-requirements-2024-05-08/

changes delayed til 2025

[SINGAPURCANAC]

FAA T&C sounds like hell' rules of engagement.
:ugh: