Asleep again: FAA acknowledges widespread fatigue problem in air towers


WASHINGTON (AP

Another case of an air traffic controller falling asleep on duty - this time in Miami - prompted the Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday to acknowledge it has a widespread problem with fatigue and to institute changes in controllers' work schedules.

"We are taking important steps today that will make a real difference in fighting air traffic controller fatigue.

But we know we will need to do more.

This is just the beginning," FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement.