Staffing shortages, safety concerns, the need to update equipment and aircraft noise were the issues discussed when Rep. Laura Gillen met with air traffic controllers and Federal Aviation Administration officials in Westbury.
“I think everyone can agree TRACON/N90 and other air traffic control towers are understaffed, have outdated technology, long hours and compulsory overtime which is contributing to wider spread burnout and fatigue,” Gillen said on July 29 outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility known as TRACON/N90.
TRACON stands for Terminal Radar Approach Control. It is an air traffic control facility that manages aircraft approaching and departing airports, generally within a 30-50 mile radius and up to 10,000 feet.
Gillen put pressure on the FAA and federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that resulted in an audit of the decision last year to relocate a dozen of the air traffic controllers from TRACON/N90 and determine if this was the right decision.
“I’m so glad the inspector general is finally looking into the impact on moving N90 air traffic controllers and what this has done to New York airport cancellations and the safety of our passengers,” Gillen said.
The FAA relocated 12 air traffic controllers who were responsible for overseeing Newark Liberty Airport, one of the busiest in the country. They were moved from TRACON/N90 to Philadelphia. Due to these changes it increased risk of outages and created low staffing issues.
Gillen said she is determined to also address the low staffing for air traffic controllers as this poses a risk as well to passengers safety. They are working on expanding schools for more air traffic control graduates.
“I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe. Safe for passengers and to minimize cancellations and delays,” she said.
During a July 16 of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committe hearing Duffy said: "Our goal is to make air travel not just safer, but also more efficient," when discussing the issues.
Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes many of the communities along the South Shore of Nassau County.
