FAA History Lesson -- November 12

From the FAA Historical Chronology, 1926-1996...

”Nov 12, 1976: The U.S. Civil Service Commission, in a reversal of a position taken earlier, announced its support for upgrading air traffic controllers at 8 of the nation's busiest air traffic control facilities from GS-13 to GS-14. The Commission also approved the upgrading of controllers of lower grades at approximately 23 other installations, but insisted on downgradings at a few facilities. PATCO continued to demand better terms, backing its position with the threat of renewed slowdowns. On Jan 13, 1977, the Commission dropped its insistence on downgradings and approved promotions at some 45 facilities, including the GS-14 level at 8 locations. (See Mar 15, 1978.) “

I think it should be obvious that we should expect a radicalized controller workforce for at least the next decade. If you’ve learned anything from this blog, FAA Follies, The Main Bang or Vanity Fair Musings it is that controllers have every right to be upset. The junior controllers will quickly outnumber the senior controllers that haven’t been able to retire yet. The difference in attitude will have a large effect also. The senior guys will (for the most part) just try to keep their heads down until they can retire. The younger controllers will be impatient (as younger people are) and will insist on rapid changes.

Hang on to your seat. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Don Brown
November 12, 2007