Air Traffic Controller Speaks Out About Stress and Staffing Shortage at Newark Airport
A veteran air traffic controller at the Newark Liberty International Airport has come forward to shed light on the challenges and pressures faced by workers in the midst of a staffing shortage and technical outages. Jonathan Stewart, who supervises the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility responsible for flights heading to and from Newark, has spoken out about the need for more resources to alleviate the strain on controllers.
Working long shifts and covering multiple positions to give other controllers breaks, Stewart described the fear of losing radar and radios, forcing them to write callsigns in a notebook. In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, he expressed concern about pushing workers beyond their limits, stating that “pushing people beyond their limits is not good business.”
Stewart’s testimony is one of the first public accounts of overworked and understaffed air traffic controllers in the United States. This issue is compounded by aging infrastructure and outdated technology, which has led to recent flight delays and cancellations. Additionally, passengers have experienced stress and frustration due to technology outages, close calls, and fatal accidents.
Stewart shared a harrowing experience on May 4th, where he averted a potential mid-air collision between two aircraft. He described the difficult situation in the facility that day, stating, “I’m three hours and change into my working positions… Nobody takes human factors into consideration. We’re not robots.” This close call led Stewart to send an email to FAA managers criticizing their leadership and speaking out to set the record straight about controllers.
The Newark TRACON facility has faced several blackouts on April 28th and May 9th, which caused radar screens to go blank for 90 seconds and radios to go out for 30 seconds. The outage on April 28th resulted in five controllers taking a 45-day trauma leave. Despite the need for 38 certified controllers, only 24 positions are currently filled, with 16 due to return to a New York FAA facility next year.
Challenges continue to plague Newark Airport, with a primary telecommunications line failing on April 28th and a backup line not functioning. This issue was compounded by a tight staffing at TRACON, with only three controllers managing all arrivals and departures for over an hour on May 9th.
The FAA has taken steps to address these challenges, including the creation of an “emergency task force” and initiating a “delay reduction meeting” with major airlines. However, hiring and retaining controllers has been a struggle, with the current shortage near a 30-year low. To combat this, the FAA has increased staffing at the Philadelphia facility and has a “healthy pipeline” of training classes filled through next July.
In conclusion, Stewart’s testimony sheds light on the difficulties faced by air traffic controllers at Newark Airport, highlighting the need for more resources and support to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.