Recent media reports regarding US controllers falling asleep on night shifts have prompted a reexamination of work practices for controllers in Australia.

 

Recent media reports regarding US controllers falling asleep on night shifts have prompted a reexamination of work practices for controllers in Australia.

Similar situations have occurred in Australia, and will occur in the future. Australian controllers work nights in many locations and often without break relief. Civil air calls upon Australian authorities to urgently review roster arrangements for night coverage in Australia.

The combination of a single person holding responsibility for airspace, no provision for breaks on many night shifts, and understaffed rosters significantly contributes to controller fatigue. In the cases where controllers may doze off the system simply does not have adequate defences to ensure that the person holding responsibility for the airspace is at the best capacity to deal with all contingencies.

Civil Air applauds the US Federal Aviation Administration’s decision last week to roster additional staff on night shifts to ensure controllers are able to take breaks and maintain the alertness levels the travelling public deserves. Civil Air has long called for an end to single person operations nationally and in particular sought 2 person operations on night shifts.

Additional staffing costs money. The question often asked is “How much?” The real question is “Can we afford not to have a reliable and safe air traffic system?”

Robert Mason
President, Civil Air
April 19, 2011

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Robert Mason, President 0403 153 400;

or

Peter McGuane, Executive Secretary 0412 538 336

pdf Night Shifts and Australian Air Traffic Controllers for a copy of media release.