India's ATCs: Understaffed and overworked?

Mumbai: A day after two ATC officials were de-rostered following a near collision between the President's convoy and a commercial flight at the Mumbai airport, focus has shifted to the working of the crucial Air Traffic Controller.
In India's busiest airport, working with an under staffed ATC, was Monday's incident just waiting to happen?
It's always a busy day at the Mumbai airport.
With over 720 flights either taking off or landing this is India's busiest airport. Not surprisingly, the pressure at the Air Traffic Control never ceases.
However, it was Monday's incident that has brought the focus on the Mumbai ATC. When a near collision was averted between an Air India plane and a helicopter from the President's convoy.
While questions have been raised over the ATC's role in the incident, there are some hard facts.
The Mumbai ATC currently has 160 officials as against the required 330 as stipulated by the Airport Authority. On the other hand, the ATC Guild has demanded for the strength of staff to be increased to 450.
Aviation experts say the shortage of staff has caused a psychological impact on Air Traffic Controllers, which might affect their functions.
Union sources say the shortage is due to a freeze on recruitments between 2000 and 2005 that has created backlog.
An ATCs job might not be as glamorous as that of a pilot's but definitely a crucial one. Even though the Civil Aviation Minister denies the shortage endangers flight safety, the number of near misses reported are a cause for concern.
12/02/09 Prerana Thakurdesai/NDTV.com

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Categories: Airports Feb 2009, Safety Feb 2009