US air traffic control head quits over tower sleep row

Gerald · 04-14-11, 01:37 PM

The head of the US air traffic control agency has resigned after a number of incidents where air traffic controllers fell asleep while on duty.

Randy Babbitt, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, said he had accepted Hank Krakowski's resignation.

On Thursday, Mr Babbitt pledged a "top to bottom review" of the air traffic control system.

In the past month, several planes have landed safely at US airports without controller guidance.

"Over the last few weeks we have seen examples of unprofessional conduct on the part of a few individuals that have rightly caused the travelling public to question our ability to ensure their safety," Mr Babbitt said in a statement.

"This conduct must stop immediately."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13085245

Note: 14 April 2011 Last updated at 16:04 GMT

04-14-11, 01:48 PM

This is why you blast Metal in the control tower.

Fish In The Water · 04-14-11, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendor

In the past month, several planes have landed safely at US airports without controller guidance.

They gotta do something about this quick before people realize they never needed 'em in the first place...

Tchocky · 04-14-11, 02:24 PM

Ack

Quote:

"Over the last few weeks we have seen examples of unprofessional conduct on the part of a few individuals that have rightly caused the travelling public to question our ability to ensure their safety," Mr Babbitt said in a statement.

That's a bit rich, if you ask me. These incidents coming so close together tells me that it's an institutional issue regarding shift patterns, regulations, and understaffing, not a bunch of ATCO's suddenly deciding to sleep on the job.
I understand the FAA has staffing issues at the moment, but trying to fix it by hiding the problem won't get them anywhere.

GoldenRivet · 04-14-11, 04:07 PM

i remember once i was receiving a landing clearance.

during the controllers radio broadcast, clearing me to land, i heard sound in the background during his radio transmission.

Torplexed · 04-14-11, 10:16 PM

Oh good. The FAA says they plan to add a second overnight staffer at 27 airports.

Yeah...like they weren't double staffed already.

Platapus · 04-15-11, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

how long does it take you to make a drawing like this?

kraznyi_oktjabr · 04-15-11, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenRivet

i remember once i was receiving a landing clearance.

during the controllers radio broadcast, clearing me to land, i heard sound in the background during his radio transmission.

Good news: they may stay awake.
Bad news: they may not pay attention to air traffic.

papa_smurf · 04-15-11, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenRivet

i remember once i was receiving a landing clearance.

during the controllers radio broadcast, clearing me to land, i heard sound in the background during his radio transmission.

At least the controller has taste

GoldenRivet · 04-15-11, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papa_smurf

At least the controller has taste

yes and in his defense, i think there were a few people in the tower, and it was a super slow day that day anyhow.

04-14-11, 01:37 PM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	US air traffic control head quits over tower sleep row The head of the US air traffic control agency has resigned after a number of incidents where air traffic controllers fell asleep while on duty. Randy Babbitt, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, said he had accepted Hank Krakowski's resignation. On Thursday, Mr Babbitt pledged a "top to bottom review" of the air traffic control system. In the past month, several planes have landed safely at US airports without controller guidance. "Over the last few weeks we have seen examples of unprofessional conduct on the part of a few individuals that have rightly caused the travelling public to question our ability to ensure their safety," Mr Babbitt said in a statement. "This conduct must stop immediately." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13085245 Note: 14 April 2011 Last updated at 16:04 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

04-14-11, 04:07 PM	#5
GoldenRivet Subsim Aviator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 8,726 Downloads: 146 Uploads: 0	i remember once i was receiving a landing clearance. during the controllers radio broadcast, clearing me to land, i heard sound in the background during his radio transmission. __________________

04-14-11, 01:48 PM	#2
Rilder Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	This is why you blast Metal in the control tower.

04-14-11, 10:16 PM	#6
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Oh good. The FAA says they plan to add a second overnight staffer at 27 airports. Yeah...like they weren't double staffed already.