It appears that the same problems of overwork that existed prior to the PATCO strike are still there today. It would appear that there are powerful interests that would want a rational work environment: namely the airlines which will lose big time if there is a collision 💥. Begs the question of whose interest does the present irrational system serve?
Noted: the FAA enforces rules limiting flight crew hours. What is their excuse for not doing the same with traffic controllers?
In my estimation, any job that requires non-stop mental concentration from a human should be organized to demand no more than two hours on (with a total of six hours a day ‘on concentration’). There should be a half hour break every two hours.
And, of course, there should be a five day work week, with any overtime voluntary.
Re: the problem of accumulating shortage of controllers due to COVID decline in flying: managers had two years to plan and implement the training of new controllers before air travel returned to ‘normal’ levels. The explanation for failure to do so? It lies somewhere.
Many of these issues also concern pilots, too. The same medical clearance or a more strict version (I don't recall offhand if ATC requires a class 2 or a class 1 medical) applies to all pilots, specifically here airline pilots, and we're seeing a massive problem with pilots fearing losing their ability to work permanently just for seeking treatment that they NEED. So they just.. don't.
The FAA has a lot of work to do to redo the medical rules to include our new understanding of mental health.
It appears that the same problems of overwork that existed prior to the PATCO strike are still there today. It would appear that there are powerful interests that would want a rational work environment: namely the airlines which will lose big time if there is a collision 💥. Begs the question of whose interest does the present irrational system serve?
Noted: the FAA enforces rules limiting flight crew hours. What is their excuse for not doing the same with traffic controllers?
In my estimation, any job that requires non-stop mental concentration from a human should be organized to demand no more than two hours on (with a total of six hours a day ‘on concentration’). There should be a half hour break every two hours.
And, of course, there should be a five day work week, with any overtime voluntary.
Re: the problem of accumulating shortage of controllers due to COVID decline in flying: managers had two years to plan and implement the training of new controllers before air travel returned to ‘normal’ levels. The explanation for failure to do so? It lies somewhere.
This is terrifying! I hope their working conditions improve, for them and for the safety of all flyers.
Many of these issues also concern pilots, too. The same medical clearance or a more strict version (I don't recall offhand if ATC requires a class 2 or a class 1 medical) applies to all pilots, specifically here airline pilots, and we're seeing a massive problem with pilots fearing losing their ability to work permanently just for seeking treatment that they NEED. So they just.. don't.
The FAA has a lot of work to do to redo the medical rules to include our new understanding of mental health.