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.
The agreement comes as the FAA grapples with a controller shortage and mounting overtime and as fatigue has come under a spotlight in the wake of a series of high-profile close calls in recent years. NATCA and the FAA concurred that the agreement would provide for “long-term, systemic changes.”
“The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This is the beginning of our work, not the end. We will continue to collaborate and take steps to prioritize controllers’ health and well-being on behalf of the public.”
NATCA president Rich Santa added, “NATCA has been voicing concern regarding controller fatigue for years, and we are happy to join with the FAA to implement changes that will begin to provide relief to this understaffed workforce.”
The FAA also said it is on track to meet its goal of hiring 1,800 controllers this year.