Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt led the outcry of indignation when news broke that the lone controller on the overnight shift at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington had fallen asleep, and that the pilots of two airline flights had to land on their own. LaHood announced an immediate change of policy at DCA, so there are two controllers handling the overnight, and called for the FAA to study staffing at other airports. Babbitt said steps would be taken so that this sort of thing doesn't happen again. Conveniently overlooked at the time was that the NTSB has been trying for a long time to get the FAA to take action dealing with fatigue and sleep deprivation in aviation affecting controllers, pilots and mechanics. The NTSB's investigation of the March 23, 2011, incident provides one more opportunity for the agency to call for action.
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