PATCO
November 15, 2007
For Immediate Release
Air Traffic Controllers who work in the private sector control towers are understaffed, and in many cases they are working alone. These towers are under contract by the FAA to private contractors, and the staffing at many of these facilities falls below the standards of what the FAA would allow in their Federal Towers.
At times during any given shift, there is only one controller on duty in the tower, or even within the facility. The Controllers are being overworked on operational positions, without breaks, rotation or a back up. The Professional Controllers who man these private towers meet or exceed the same requirements as their counterparts in the Federal sector, and they deserve better.
Air safety should always be the highest priority, and minimum staffing to the point of only one controller on duty does not meet safety standards. PATCO is working to enhance air safety and the archaic working conditions of these highly dedicated Air Traffic Controllers. The flying public and taxpayers who are paying for the service should demand that changes be made immediately.
Ron Taylor
President
PATCO