FAA Delays Implementation of New Air Traffic Control Rest Requirements

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The U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that it would postpone the implementation of new rest requirements for air traffic controllers, citing staffing shortages as the primary reason for the delay.

Originally scheduled to take effect by mid-July, the new rules aimed to ensure controllers receive at least 10 hours off between shifts and a minimum of 12 hours off before a midnight shift. These changes were proposed following an independent review of fatigue issues within the industry.

The FAA’s decision to postpone the implementation comes after discussions between the agency and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) union, as they seek to address staffing challenges and safety concerns.

Under the current regulations, controllers handling active aircraft are required to have an eight or nine-hour break between shifts in most cases.

Staffing shortages have led to controllers working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks at several facilities. The FAA is currently about 3,000 controllers short of staffing targets, prompting efforts to recruit and hire additional personnel.

President Joe Biden has proposed funding to hire 2,000 controllers this year to address the shortage. The FAA’s decision to delay the new rest requirements comes after an independent panel commissioned by FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker raised “serious concerns” about controller fatigue and recommended mandatory rest periods.