FAA regulatory announcements

FAA Sets 10-12 Hour Rest Rules for Controllers After 500 Near-Collisions

Apr 19, 2024, 05:40 PM

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented new regulations requiring air traffic controllers to have increased rest periods between shifts to address concerns of fatigue and stress. These changes mandate 10 hours of rest between regular shifts and 12 hours before a midnight shift. This decision follows a report highlighting the need to reduce fatigue among controllers who manage 45,000 flights daily. Additionally, there is a current shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers, exacerbated by a hiring pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to forced overtime and packed schedules. The urgency of these measures is underscored by reports of 500 near-collisions last year, attributed to controllers working 10-hour shifts, 6 days a week.