FAA's Staffing Troubles Make Flying More Dangerous, Controllers Say

Staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities have a negative impact on public safety and have made conditions more dangerous for years, two air traffic controllers told Newsweek in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in decades.

The Federal Aviation Administration employees, who requested anonymity because they are forbidden to speak to reporters, said low staffing levels in the high-pressure job equate to long hours, widespread mandatory overtime and high rates of turnover within the federal agency responsible for protecting the nation's busy skies.

FAA officials did not respond to a question on the controllers' allegations that staffing shortages have a detrimental impact on safety and operations.