
The FAA has struck an accord with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to address the growing concerns of controller fatigue. Under the agreement announced today, air traffic controllers will receive at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift. These changes will be folded into the schedules negotiated for next year.
In addition, limits will be placed on the number of consecutive overtime assignments and procedures adopted surrounding education on more effective recuperative breaks. Further, the agreement calls for the FAA and NATCA, in consultation with scientific experts, to form a collaborative workgroup that expands on the existing Fatigue Risk Management System and Fatigue Safety Steering Committee in developing recommendations to address areas of improvement identified in an April 2024 report surrounding the issue.