While transitioning through Class Charlie airspace, I heard an exchange between a pilot and a tower controller. I've never met the controller, but have talked to him countless times and always found him to be professional and courteous, especially to student pilots. The pilot asked "Is that Xxx?" and the controller answered "Yes, is that Yyy?" The pilot asked "How's it going?" and the controller replied "They're working us to death with overtime, so I'll be retiring in a few weeks."
Some of you may have noticed I added two new links to blogs that discuss FAA controllers' beefs with FAA management and manager behavior. I recommend you check out The Main Bang and FAA Follies. They are well-written and offer some compelling stories about our tax dollars at work. From what I read, the FAA management apparently is often successful in creating an inhospitable (and in some cases, downright hostile) work environment. New-hire controllers are paid so poorly during training that many just give up and many seasoned controllers are opting for retirement. The ATC system, contrary to what the FAA might be saying, appears to be seriously understaffed. Consider this one example if you need more proof.
As a pilot and instructor, I can appreciate how poor management of ATC staff can negatively affect controllers' attitudes toward their jobs and result in poorer service being provided. It seems to me the FAA needs to agree to a contract with controllers, improve staffing levels, and quit treating these professionals like a bunch of children. Read a bit of these two blogs and you'll probably have a new appreciation of what controllers are up against.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
