ATC Segment on ABC World News Tonight, 6:30 Eastern

[SRProductions]

Anyone else waching.

 

[garf12]

has it allready been on or is it comming on in a bit, im watching it now.

 

[pilotman2105]

At least the issue is getting some coverage. Marlon Blakley is full of crap though.

 

[atcloser]

what was it about???

 

[garf12]

just saying that alot of the controllers are going to be retiring soon and its going to create a shortage.

 

[pilotman2105]

what was it about???

ABC highlighted the fact that controllers are going to be retiring in large masses between 2005 and 2012. They have a soundbite from Blakley about how there isn't a problem now, but there will be eventually.

It was played up that there isn't a problem now, but there will be shortly. Overall, it was a good clip, and it left with the impression that something needs to be done now, which is true.

 

[atcloser]

she must be on crack...people in my facility have to work 6 days a week every week to cover the lack of employees. the overtime is insane, and the safety margin is decreasing every day.

 

[urflyingme?!]

I heard that there was a hiring freeze. Is that true??? I also heard that they closed the official school.... or am I just hearing things again???

 

[KigAir]

Acoording to this article Cnn Link, controllers only work 40 hours a month.

Supervisors are required to work aircraft for only eight hours a month, while controllers work 40.

 

[katbird]

there is an external hiring freeze. any new hires are transfers within the FAA. I have a few DOD buddies waiting on slots and my hubby is stuck in a contract tower due to the ridiculously stupid age 31 cut off rule.

 

[wildbill]

The FAA had better get off their rear ends and start training new controllers. I don't think it is fair for controllers to be forced into an overtime situation to cover government lack of foresight. For the most part the controllers are doing a great job, but I know it is stressful especially with weather delays. It takes years to create an effective controller. It is time to quit wasting money on computer systems that don't work just to line the pockets of "close" friends and hire what we need, Great Controllers..

Just my .02

 

[atcloser]

kigair...we work 40 hours a week and many work an additional 8 hours a week OT. the last thing you want to do after getting your a*( kicked all week is work your day off.