Air Traffic Controllers Expose How FAA Failures Threaten Air Safety

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By NATCA
Posted: 10-17-2008

09/28/2005

Announcing a major new national public education campaign, America's air traffic controllers called on the FAA to address serious flaws that are putting the safety of the flying public at risk. Launching the "Fly Us Safe Campaign" - a television, internet and press effort - John Carr, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers' Association, outlined how serious mismanagement was putting the safety, integrity and efficiency of America's air traffic control system in danger.

"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Americans everywhere have been reminded of the indispensable role federal agencies play in protecting the public and the high price of poor planning and mismanagement," said Carr. "Now, as the nation assesses these agencies, America's air traffic controllers are blowing the whistle on serious and dangerous mismanagement by the FAA that is threatening passenger safety."

Unveiling a new television commercial, internet ads and press outreach, the national public education campaign will open by focusing on two serious crises facing the aviation system: an acute staffing shortage caused by FAA cutbacks and the agency's failure to adequately modernize and improve the infrastructure of the country's air traffic control facilities. More details about the campaign and the new television commercial can be found at the campaign's action headquarters at NATCA | Fly Us Safe.

The staffing crisis: Air traffic is increasing to record levels, but already there are 1,000 fewer controllers than there were just two years ago. The FAA has failed to address the problem: in fiscal year 2004 only 13 air traffic controllers were hired. This crisis has been looming for years, but even though the FAA was repeatedly warned about it, the agency first ignored, and then completely mismanaged the looming crisis.