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Official Statement from the Air Traffic Control Association

Alexandria, Va. (4/18/11) — The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) applauds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) for a cooperative and rapid call to action to address the issue of controllers' shifts and required rest time.

Additionally, we feel the studies already completed on fatigue due to schedules should be analyzed. Other organizations—such as NASA—which deal with similar issues should be consulted to determine what best practices exist related to reducing fatigue.

The goal should be to ensure schedules are developed that enable the controller to operate at peak performance on all shifts. No option should be discarded until studied and additional studies may be required to find the solution.




About ATCA
The Air Traffic Control Association (www.ATCA.org) is dedicated to the progress and safety of air traffic control and works to advance the technology and professionalism of the industry. Founded in 1956, ATCA serves nearly 3,000 members from throughout the world—individual air traffic controllers as well as aviation associations, educational institutions, the government and military, and companies managing and providing equipment and services in the aviation community.


Click here for a PDF download of the statement.