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Botswana: 3,000 Air Traffic Controllers Lacking Worldwide
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
26 March 2008
Posted to the web 27 March 2008
Gaborone
The worldwide shortage of air traffic controllers, excessive use of overtime and the absence of just culture were among the pressing issues addressed by the more than 300 delegates at the 47th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) annual conference held in Arusha, Tanzania, between March 10-14.
IFATCA, representing more than 50,000 air traffic controllers from 133 countries worldwide, promoted the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) plan for safety in Africa, stressing the need for the continued development of air traffic services throughout the continent.
In addressing the staff shortage and the consequent safety issues, IFATCA resolved that its member associations should discourage air traffic controllers from working overtime and to be aware of their obligations concerning the number of working hours permitted within the framework of the applicable laws. Citing the immediate need for an estimated three thousand controllers, IFATCA president and CEO Marc Baumgartner said: "This shortage of controllers, which is evident in all regions - Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North and South America - represents a serious hazard to the flying public as we strive to maintain a safe and efficient air traffic system handling ever increasing numbers of flights."
This dire situation is exacerbated when air traffic service providers, in an effort to keep the system running, resort to mandatory or forced overtime. Excessive overtime amid the continuing growth of air traffic results in mental and physical fatigue that threatens the health of air traffic control personnel. "We call upon States and air traffic services providers worldwide to recognise this potential hazard and to take immediate steps to mitigate the serious risks posed", stated Baumgartner. The federation expressed their continuing concern at the state of aviation in South America where the slow move away from military led to civilian based aviation authorities continues to pose problems. While noting some positive moves in Argentina, Brazil is yet to recover from the repercussions of the mid-air collision over the Amazon in September 2006.
The harassment and prosecution of air traffic controllers involved in this tragic accident is clear evidence that the "just culture" principle is sadly not being applied. The philiosophy of blame and criminalisation directly inhibits the development of safety practices.
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"Working with our industry partners and other aviation stakeholders, together with the States and ICAO to promote 'just culture' is our immediate priority", said the IFATCA president. "There is no greater legacy that we can bestow on the travelling public than the safest, most efficient and resilient air traffic system. Air traffic management is the backbone of an aviation industry that continues to sustain worldwide economic growth," Baumgartner said. (IFATCA)
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