FAA And NATCA Reach Agreement To Address Controller Fatigue By Providing More Rest Between Shifts

This agreement will enable the implementation of long-term, systematic changes following the identified opportunities in the report from a panel of experts.  

As schedules are negotiated for next year, the FAA and NATCA agree that: 

• Controllers will receive 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift.  
• Controllers will have limitations on the number of consecutive overtime assignments.
• There will be procedures in place, including providing the necessary education to the workforce, for more effective use of current recuperative breaks.

The FAA and NATCA, in consultation with scientific experts, will establish a collaborative workgroup and expand the existing FAA’s Fatigue Risk Management System Fatigue Safety Steering Committee to develop recommendations addressing the opportunities identified in the April 2024 expert report.  

In addition to addressing controller fatigue, the FAA is committed to growing the controller workforce. The agency is on track to meet its goal of hiring 1,800 controllers this year. The agency has also expanded the training pipeline to increase hiring and training.