Air Traffic Controllers: Two must now be present instead of one at towers.

[macquire]

I guess that means each of them will get a FOUR HOUR nap instead of just the one guy getting cat naps. Seriously, we doubled the expense and now for sure one will be asleep half the shift...instead of firing the guys that broke the rules.

Typical government decision.

[Faithfull]

This needs to be investigated by some ‘good’ reporter - members of my family work for the Federal Aviation admin. IT IS THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS UNIONS THAT ARE AN ISSUE. In 30 years, only one person they knew of was fired and that was for failing a drug test. There is a lot to this story and I wish someone would tell it like it is. Seek out retirees of the FAA and one might be shocked at what really goes on. Everyone is afraid at the FAA to speak up against the controllers - they have the power re their Union. The air traffic controllers union protects them from everything...and is now going to be laughing as they get more money and more staffing. If anyone can get this to a good reporter- please do! All one has to do to start is ask how many air traffic controllers have been fired in 30 years?

[BradyLS]

I’m amazed that only one is needed in the tower during a shift. I would have guessed that, after 9/11 at the least, there would be two on duty at all times and probably a shift supervisor to spell one in the event one has to leave their station.

And sleeping? No sleeping on duty for any reason—ever!