FAA Urged to Add Controllers

The safety margin of the nation’s air traffic control system is declining because of staffing shortages, employee fatigue and an unseasoned work force, a congressional report concluded today.

Currently, there are 14,300 controllers--only about 6,000 considered experienced--compared with 16,250 four years ago when President Reagan fired 11,500 striking controllers. The report by a House subcommittee urged the Federal Aviation Administration to hire more controllers and improve working conditions, morale and management practices to keep the skies safe.