Washington (CNN) — The Federal Aviation Administration official in charge of operating the air traffic control system has resigned amid revelations that several controllers have fallen asleep on the job this year, the FAA chief said today.
Stepping down is Hank Krakowski, who has been the head of the FAA Air Traffic Organization. David Grizzle, the FAA’s chief counsel, will be the acting chief of the unit during a search to fill the post, according to Randy Babbitt, the agency’s administrator.
“Over the last few weeks we have seen examples of unprofessional conduct on the part of a few individuals that have rightly caused the traveling public to question our ability to ensure their safety. This conduct must stop immediately,” Babbitt said in a statement.
“I am committed to maintaining the highest level of public confidence and that begins with strong leadership.”
The latest incident occurred yesterdfay morning at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada “when a controller fell asleep while a medical flight carrying an ill patient was trying to land,” the FAA said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the trend “absolutely unacceptable,” and transportation officials immediately began making changes and reviews to address the problem.