Pity the poor air traffic controller

I have to feel sorry for some of these air traffic controllers who have been nodding off while on the midnight shift. The FAA has been suspending them (they are probably glad to get the chance to go home and catch up on their sleep) and changing the scheduling system to help them not be so tired when they get to work.

So now, instead of giving air traffic controllers eight hours off between shifts, the FAA is giving them NINE hours! Oh, joy! Now they’ll have an extra hour to drive home, grab a bite to eat, jump in bed for eight hours, jump out of bed, take a quick shower and grab a bagel, then drive like crazy to get back to work on time.

That oughta keep them rested and ready for action. Or should I say, inaction. I can’t imagine a job more inducive to slumber than sitting in a dimly lit room, watching a radar screen scanning, scanning waiting for the next flight to show up.

And if only one person is scheduled to work the tower, it’s no surprise controllers are nodding off.