FAA Fires Another Air Traffic Controller For Sleeping

A third air traffic controller has been fired for napping on the job. The Federal Aviation Administration says that since March, five incidents of sleeping on the job have surfaced, along with one of an air controller watching a DVD movie. And a plane carrying the first lady had to abort a landing. Still, on-the-job naps should be considered as part of a plan to address fatigue by air traffic controllers, airline pilots and others who work overnight shifts. That, according to a National Transportation Safety Board member, who cites studies that show short naps of between 20 and 30 minutes refresh workers suffering fatigue and help them remain alert when they return to their duties. FAA officials have said the recommendations are being reviewed.