FAA Suspends Air Traffic Controller In Miami, Changes To Follow

MIAMI (CBS4)– The Federal Aviation Administration is changing air traffic controllers' work schedules most likely to cause fatigue following another incident in which a controller fell asleep while on duty, this time at a radar center in Miami, the FAA said Saturday.

The latest sleeping incident -- the fifth to be disclosed by FAA since late March - occurred early Saturday morning at the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center that handles high-altitude air traffic, FAA said in a statement.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt announced Saturday that he is prohibiting scheduling practices that have been identified as those most likely to result in air traffic controller fatigue.

The FAA said the changes will be effective within 72 hours. Discussions with the National Air Traffic Controllers Union (NATCA) are underway and more details will be released soon, according to the FAA.

"We are taking swift action to ensure the safety of our aviation system," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "There is no excuse for air traffic controllers to be sleeping on the job. We will do everything we can to put an end to this."

"We are taking important steps today that will make a real difference in fighting air traffic controller fatigue.  But we know we will need to do more.  This is just the beginning," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Passengers at Miami International Airport reacted to the news Saturday.

"My safety is at risk and not only my safety but the safety of everyone else on the flight," said passenger Melissa Friesen.

Others said they wanted to feel more secure when they board planes.

"I'm not happy with this news," said Renata Rangel who was flying to Brazil. "because I need to feel secure when I'm flying."

Others said the air traffic controllers need to be well rested.

"I work night shift too, I'm a nurse so I know how it is when you get very tired.  But they really need to find a way to keep that from happening. It's scary," said Ramona Gonzalez who was flying to Houston.

According to a preliminary review of air traffic tapes, the controller did not miss any calls from aircraft and there was no operational impact.  Prior to the start of the shift, all controllers were given a briefing on professionalism and the importance of reporting to work fit for duty.  The incident was reported to a manager by another controller.  There were 12 controllers on duty and two managers.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt were briefed on the incident early this morning by David Grizzle, acting chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization.

Last Wednesday, Secretary LaHood and FAA Administrator Babbitt announced that the FAA would place an additional air traffic controller on the midnight shift at airport control towers and other facilities around the country that were staffed with only one controller during that time.

On Monday, FAA Administrator Babbitt and NATCA President Paul Rinaldi will begin meetings at air traffic facilities around the country as part of a nationwide Call to Action on air traffic control safety and professionalism.  The goal of the Call to Action is to reinforce the need for all air traffic personnel to adhere to the highest professional standards.