Air Traffic Controllers oppose FAA cuts

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pushing to reduce the number of air traffic controllers it employs by about 10 percent. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) opposes this plan, saying it could have a significant negative effect on aviation safety.

From an article on the Airport Business website about this issue:

Pat Forrey, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said having only one air traffic controller on duty "degrades the safety net," by "not having another set of eyes and ears."

Michael Conely, president of the union in Dallas, said "you can't staff all the positions properly" with the number of controllers currently scheduled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

"You are on position longer, watching more airplanes, and it becomes a tired-eye syndrome," Conely said.

Conely and others have also questioned the FAA's motives for its new mandatory dress code.

"It's absolutely a power thing," he said. "They want to show they're in charge and this is how we're going to do it and if you don't like it quit."

Source: Air Traffic Controllers Condemn FAA Cuts - Airport Business

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