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Concerns of the Air Traffic Controller

In addition, some FAA controllers provide weather briefings, flight following, and flight plan filing at Automated Flight Service Stations.

It is important for aviation medical examiners (AMEs) to recognize that FAA controllers are medically certified through a separate internal Agency process that is not under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 67. As such, FAA controllers do not receive a first-, second-, or third-class airman medical certificate to perform their duties. Examinations on these controllers are performed by AMEs selected by their respective Regional Flight Surgeons and are evaluated by criteria that are different from those required of individuals under Part 67.

However, often-overlooked are the non-FAA air traffic controllers who provide contracted services at smaller airports with air traffic control towers that operate under visual flight rules only. FAA controllers do not staff these towers. These often-forgotten contract controllers, unlike their FAA peers, require a FAA second-class medical certificate to perform their duties as air traffic control tower operators (14 CFR, Parts 61.23 and 67.201).

While air traffic controllers may not face the same certain-death or serious injury concerns from sudden incapacitation as a pilot might, nevertheless, a sharp, analytical mind and keen senses are required in the performance of their duties and for maintaining the safety of flight. Therefore, it is imperative that AMEs recognize and understand the medically demanding nature of the ATC profession, as they may be faced one day with examining a non-flying individual requiring a second-class medical certificate.

The purpose of air traffic control is to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. Non-FAA air traffic control tower operators rely on vision as the principal method for separation and flow; however, some towers may have radar repeater displays as adjunct control tools. Controllers must be adept at rapid vector analysis and spatial relationships. They rely heavily on visual and auditory cues when sequencing aircraft in the local pattern. Therefore, any dulling of the senses by medication, illness, or human factors (fatigue, stress, etc.) impacts the safety of flight, not for just one aircraft but for many.

All non-FAA air traffic controllers (who, by the way, all have prior controller experience, usually from the military) answer the same FAA Form 8500-8 questions and face the same physical requirements for a FAA second-class medical as those who actually fly. As with a pilot, the AME should review all general medical history questions and pay particular attention to visual acuity problems (including refractive surgery and eye strain), stress, ergonomics, and proper sleep/rest cycles when discussing occupational concerns with a controller. Also, when reviewing the Form 8500-8, the AME should pay particular attention to question 17a, which asks about both prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is incumbent upon the AME to discuss the side effects of over-the-counter medications with controllers.

Remember that an important crew resource management concept requires the utilization of "all the resources" available to a group, be they pilots or controllers. Clear and concise communication between pilot and controller is crucial for traffic avoidance, terrain clearance, spatial relationships, and directional route information. Controllers often provide that "hard to reach" information for the task-saturated pilot in an emergency. Indeed, it is often that air traffic controllers receive the first vote of gratitude from a pilot who has survived an accident or incident.

The AME must always consider what pilots will or will not do within the limitations of their airman or medical certificate. The air traffic controller, although held within the "surly bonds of earth," holds a very demanding post in the field of aviation and should be treated accordingly. The safety of flight depends upon your understanding of this profession and its unique medical requirements.

Finally, I recommend that you visit your local airport control tower for a tour of the facility. This usually can be arranged with a simple phone call and will prove to be an interesting and rewarding experience.

Contact an Aviation Attorney near you to find out more about your legal rights.