New York Times via RISKS digest:
A drive by the Federal Aviation Administration to cut the number of air traffic controllers nationally by 10 percent below negotiated levels, and even more sharply at places like the busy radar center here, is producing tension, anger and occasional shows of defiance among controllers.
Most of the changes have had little effect on the public. But one in particular may have safety implications, controllers and some outside experts said. That is the ending of contractual protection against being kept working on a radar screen controlling traffic for more than two hours without a break.
Hands up anyone who thinks they could do an air traffic controller’s job for 2 hours without a break? I can’t even read my e-mail for 2 hours without a break.
Tagged: business, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, New York Times, planes, risks, safety
September 26th, 2006 at 11:02 -0600
Supposedly, I am well qualified (random job test taken in high school being my only “authority” on this) for such a job as Air Traffic Controller. I would no way in hell want to do it (ever) but I certainly wouldn’t want any poor soul to do it for two hours straight or longer, sans (mental health) break. Jeepers.