摘要: |
The request for the present study originates in the National Air Traffic Controllers Associations (NATCAs) interest in having a robust, science-based method for determining the appropriate staffing at individual air traffic control (ATC) facilities. FAAs estimates show many facilities staffed at levels at or above the high end of their estimated staffing range, even though some such facilities require mandatory overtime to manage traffic adequately. NATCA had urged Congress to adopt a requirement for a third-party assessment of appropriate staffing at individual facilities. However, after consultation with congressional staff, the request that emerged from the House-Senate conference focused on the appropriateness of FAAs overall staffing forecast and the most cost-effective approach to staffing that does not compromise safety. This study examines the methods used by FAA to estimate how many controllers are needed to staff its ATC facilities and the processes used to staff facilities consistent with these estimates. |