Editor, AIN monthly magazine

Kerry Lynch

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is emphasizing the urgency of addressing an ATC staffing shortage issue in the U.S. Noting the controller workforce has shrunk by 10 percent over the last decade, NATCA agreed with airline executive concerns reported after last week’s Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, D.C., that travel disruptions could continue for at least five more years as a result.
“The effect that air traffic controller staffing shortages has had on air travel this summer is well known, and although there has been an increased focus on training, the hiring and training process to overcome the staffing shortage will take years,” NATCA warned, noting that currently, many controllers work mandatory overtime, including 10-hour shifts six days a week.
“Air traffic controllers are doing an exemplary job in a very difficult situation, but this is not sustainable,” the association said.
NATCA pointed to a Transportation Inspector General report saying the FAA has made limited efforts to ensure adequate controller staffing at ATC facilities. “It is our union’s hope that when Michael Whitaker—a former airline executive himself—is confirmed as the next FAA Administrator, he will share his former colleagues’ views on the urgency of the staffing crisis,” said NATCA president Rich Santa. “We need a long-term commitment to maximum hiring and training that is based on the controller staffing targets recently updated by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup [CRWG].”
Comprising FAir Traffic Organization and NATCA officials, the CRWG earlier this year issued findings and recommendations on staffing levels based on a comprehensive survey of facility needs. Researcher Mitre validated the results.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is emphasizing the urgency of addressing a staffing shortage issue. Noting the controller workforce has shrunk by 10 percent over the last decade, NATCA agreed with airline executive concerns reported after last week’s Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, D.C. that travel disruptions could continue for at least five more years as a result.
“The effect that air traffic controller staffing shortages has had on air travel this summer is well known, and although there has been an increased focus on training, the hiring and training process to overcome the staffing shortage will take years,” NATCA warned, noting that currently, many controllers work mandatory overtime, including 10-hour shifts six days a week.
“Air traffic controllers are doing an exemplary job in a very difficult situation, but this is not sustainable,” the association said.
NATCA pointed to a Transportation Inspector General report saying the FAA has made limited efforts to ensure adequate controller staffing at ATC facilities. “It is our union’s hope that when Michael Whitaker—a former airline executive himself—is confirmed as the next FAA Administrator, he will share his former colleagues’ views on the urgency of the staffing crisis,” said NATCA president Rich Santa. “We need a long-term commitment to maximum hiring and training that is based on the controller staffing targets recently updated by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup [CRWG].”
Comprising FAir Traffic Organization and NATCA officials, the CRWG earlier this year issued findings and recommendations on staffing levels based on a comprehensive survey of facility needs. Researcher Mitre validated the results.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

NATCA: Controller Shortages Will Cause More Disruptions

Controller staffing is down 10 percent over past decade

Controller staffing is down 10 percent over past decade, NATCA said, warning this will continue to cause disruptions if not addressed.