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Triana

(22,666 posts)
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 01:57 PM Apr 2013

International Federation Sounds US Airspace Warning Due to Sequester Cuts

If you’ve flown over the last few days, especially through JFK, LAX or another major airport, you might have noticed that things aren’t running as smoothly as they could. You’re not alone in noticing this. Air travelers suffered through long delays starting on Monday as the sequester-imposed furloughs (being put on involuntary leave) kicked in.

Brendan Buck, Speaker John Boehner’s spokesman, was quick to blame Obama, tweeting, “No one likes sequestration, but FAA is ignoring authority it has and making it as painful as possible for air travelers #obamaflightdelays.”

However, the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) today warned that the operation of the USA’s National Airspace System is being put in danger by compulsory furloughing of Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control staff. The furloughs are taking place as part of federal ‘sequestration’ cost-cutting, despite the long-standing recognition that air traffic control cannot arbitrarily lose staff at times of high traffic.

Speaking from the IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations) conference in Indonesia, ITF general secretary David Cockroft said, “This is not a labor dispute – it’s an unprecedented measure that should be gravely worrying to everyone in the aviation community. The removal of staff, especially at peak traffic flow periods means that it’s not just punctuality and efficiency being put at risk here, but, potentially, safety too.”


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http://www.politicususa.com/international-federation-sounds-airspace-warning-due-sequestration-cuts.html
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International Federation Sounds US Airspace Warning Due to Sequester Cuts (Original Post) Triana Apr 2013 OP
Just wait for the first crash or near miss malaise Apr 2013 #1
What does Congress do again, I forget? Rex Apr 2013 #2
Good question! zappaman Apr 2013 #3
I *KNOW* they blame Obama for every sneeze, cough and yawn Rex Apr 2013 #5
Destroy everything.... Triana Apr 2013 #4
My understanding is that flight approval is also being cut hootinholler Apr 2013 #6
 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
5. I *KNOW* they blame Obama for every sneeze, cough and yawn
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 02:04 PM
Apr 2013

but SERIOUSLY, am starting to wonder what their official job is since it is NOT 'keeping the country running smoothly and efficiently' by passing laws etc..

Congress might as well be a catering service. Nah, they would probably file for bankruptcy before serving their first customer.

hootinholler

(26,449 posts)
6. My understanding is that flight approval is also being cut
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 02:48 PM
Apr 2013

On furlough days to balance the lack of controllers. Smaller airports have had tower controllers removed entirely and now must operate under VFRs. Those flights are generally flown by less experienced pilots who are working their way up to the long haul jets. That is where the safety issue lies more so than with the major hub flights.

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