Air Traffic Controller Discusses Stress, Trauma Leave, and System Issues
Jonathan Stewart, an air traffic controller with over two decades of experience at the Philadelphia facility overseeing airspace around Newark Airport, discusses the challenges faced by controllers, including stress, trauma leave, and equipment reliability. He addresses the recent flight disruptions at Newark and surrounding airports and the reasons behind controller absences.
Trauma Leave and Controller Morale
Following radar and radio outages at the Newark facility, several air traffic controllers took trauma leave. Stewart emphasizes that these controllers did not "walk off the job," as suggested by the CEO of United Airlines. He clarifies that the controllers were relieved of duty because they were not mentally fit to continue due to the trauma they experienced.
Stewart defends his colleagues, stating they love their jobs and find the suggestion that they would abuse the system by taking unnecessary trauma leave insulting and misinformed. He affirms that all actions taken by controllers in Newark Area C have been warranted.
The Impact of Overtime and Equipment Reliability
Stewart acknowledges that overtime hours contribute to the stressful nature of the job. He himself is currently on trauma leave following a near mid-air collision on May 4th involving a business jet and a small airplane.
He describes working for roughly three hours before the incident, exceeding his preferred two-hour limit due to the increased workload of using both radar and non-radar rules to compensate for potential radar loss. This led to fatigue and contributed to the close call. Stewart emphasized that PTSD is cumulative, and often unexpected events trigger the stress. The unreliability of the equipment further exacerbates the stress.
Speaking Out: Education and Advocacy
Stewart decided to speak publicly to educate the public about the realities faced by air traffic controllers, who are sometimes unfairly demonized in news articles. He aims to dispel the notion that controllers are taking unnecessary trauma leave or are unwilling to work.
He emphasizes that controllers in Newark Area C are highly skilled professionals who deserve adequate compensation for the demanding work they perform. While controllers can earn substantial salaries, Stewart points out that this comes at a cost, involving sacrificing nights, weekends, holidays, and impacting their mental and physical health.
Solutions and Optimism
Stewart believes adequate staffing is crucial to improving the situation. He acknowledges the agency is taking steps in that direction, though it takes roughly three years to fully train a controller for the complex Newark area.
Despite the challenges, Stewart remains optimistic that improvements are being made. He highlights the importance of having well-paid and well-rested controllers in charge of guiding aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers. The FAA is taking action to address issues at Newark, including upgrading telecommunications, deploying backup systems, and increasing staffing. The Philadelphia facility will also be prioritized for an overhaul of the air traffic system.
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