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Scientists: Controllers need naps on the job
WASHINGTON (AP) — The best solution to the problem of sleepy air traffic controllers is more sleeping on the job, scientists say. But that would be a radical change for the Federal Aviation Administra . . . (flightaware.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Nobody can deny that a "power nap" can help anybody but the idea of paid sleep time is just foreign to the American psyche that it will never fly. Personally, the 2 people, and removal of the sleep suspension is a better way to go, BUT, why not just darken down a bunch of these little podink places that have made their way back sinces the 80's and send those guys to the high den places where they are needed. They wouldn't like it but it woul relieve some of the OT and screwy shifts.
I have utmost respect for controllers and feel that, with the amount of work they have to accomplish, they deserve whatever salary they want.
However, to issue a recommendation to nap at work could open a can of worms to so many other government-funded jobs. Bottom line - they need more controllers, with shorter shifts.
However, to issue a recommendation to nap at work could open a can of worms to so many other government-funded jobs. Bottom line - they need more controllers, with shorter shifts.
Shorter shifts won't really help for the overall problem, I don't think, as they would still be alone and with the no distraction rule, that doesn't even allow a radio to break the monotony, I don't know that there would be that much of a difference even with a shorter shift. People are different but so many studies fail to take that into consideration. If there is enough activity to jutify having someone there, then they ought to be able to stay awake. If there's not enough to keep them awake, shut it down.
My theory, if there isn't enough traffic to warrant having two controllers a shift, there isn't enough traffic to justify having a tower open. Just close it at night, like many other airport towers do late at night.
A cat nap works wonders... just ask any body who has to work the night shift.
I worked the midnight shift for years and never once needed a nap. It's the rotating shifts that need to go. Once you get a group of people accustomed to the shift by adjusting their sleep cycles, this problem will go away.
I hate that pilots, atc controllers, flight attendants, all cry about fatique, rest. What i don't understand that there is a group that actually keeps the airplanes flying. The TECHNICIANS. They work all kinds of hours, in all kinds of weather, dealing with crews, maintenance control, F.A.A., not to mention all the chemicals they handle. We all need our sleep, and it's all regulated by the F.A.A. Technicians should be able to have controlled naps to, after all they are the one keepnig those airplanes safe, no one else! thanks bill-747 TECH