Staffing Was 'Not Normal' at Reagan Airport Tower, According to FAA Report

Staffing levels at the air traffic control tower of Ronald Reagan National Airport were reported as "not normal" during a recent plane crash incident, according to a preliminary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety report. The report indicated that a single controller was managing communications for both helicopters and planes, a task typically divided between two controllers. This situation heightened the workload and complexity of the controller's responsibilities, as different radio frequencies are used for each type of aircraft, potentially leading to communication issues. The tower has been operating with nearly a third fewer staff than the FAA's target, with only 19 certified controllers available as of September 2023, while the target is 30. This staffing shortage has persisted due to factors such as employee turnover and budget constraints, resulting in controllers often working extended hours, up to six days a week. The FAA has not yet commented on the report.

- Staffing at Reagan Airport's control tower was significantly below target levels.

- A single air traffic controller was managing both helicopter and plane communications during the incident.

- The staffing shortage has been attributed to employee turnover and budget issues.

- Controllers are frequently required to work long hours due to understaffing.

- The FAA has not provided a response to the preliminary report.