FAA reaches agreement with NATCA on addressing controller fatigue

The FAA has reached an agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to address concerns about controller fatigue. The agreement, announced today, stipulates that air traffic controllers will have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift. These changes will be incorporated into next year's schedules.

Additionally, the accord places limits on consecutive overtime assignments and introduces procedures for education on effective recuperative breaks. It also calls for the formation of a collaborative workgroup involving the FAA, NATCA, and scientific experts. This group will expand on the existing Fatigue Risk Management System and Fatigue Safety Steering Committee to develop recommendations based on an April 2024 report identifying areas for improvement.

The agreement comes as the FAA faces a shortage of controllers, increasing overtime demands, and heightened scrutiny over fatigue following several high-profile close calls in recent years. Both NATCA and the FAA agree that this accord will bring “long-term, systemic changes.”