LaHood vows to stop air traffic controller napping

[April 18, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that while the government won't pay air traffic controllers to take naps while on duty, federal officials are open to other options to ensure aviation safety.

At left, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood listens as FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt talks about proposed rules.

LaHood told "The Early Show" on CBS that federal officials "take very seriously" their obligation to solve the problem of sleeping controllers.

He also said "controllers have to make sure that they get the right rest and they come to work rested." LaHood announced earlier that the FAA was adding an hour to the minimum amount of time controllers must be off between shifts.

He said that under the new plan, when controllers report for work, "hopefully they're rested." LaHood also said officials will tour airport towers this week to discuss with controllers the problems of sleeping on the job.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.