AUS_ATC

Busdrivr,

Thanks for the kind words -- I'll pass your message along to everyone at work.

The vast majority of the Controllers at MEM love the job. Many of us did not have the "Right Stuff" to become military or commercial pilots -- so we opted for the next best thing: ATC!

Hopefully things will not change in a drastic way. I can tell you that there has been much discussion among the Controllers at work about the situation. Some folks do not like to work the midnight FDX operation; some have a very difficult time staying up all night; while others have family conflicts with this type of schedule.

As for the "delays", I'm sure that Fred will have something to say if and when the operation starts to drag out. We'll do our best. Plus, we should have a token former midnight shift Controller on nearly each midnight shift to point us in the right direction.

MEM_ATC

Freightbird

Keep us informed of how your crew likes the change. I am printing this one to keep/ Thanks for posting it.

AUS_ATC

Ptarmigan,

We were advised that everyone needed to rotate through all shifts at the facility. FAA Management wants us to work days, nights and midnight shifts so that we will be familiar with each and every aspect of the operation.

The unspoken word, is that MEM Management has wanted to dismantle the midnight crew for a number of years. The midnight crew is looked upon as renegades for the type of work that they perform. For some reason, they have been the focus of attention for a long time.

My personal belief, is that it's just about control. FAA Management wants to control each and evey aspect of our employment with their new Imposed Work Rules.

MEM_ATC

AUS_ATC

JetJocF14,

There are a number of Controllers who do not like the use of RWY 27 during the FDX midnight outbound operation. The current midnight crew has been working it for years, and they are completely comfortable with this operation.

I'm not sure where these decisions are made, but the use of RWY 27 comes from far up the food chain within FDX and the FAA. I've never seen it in writing, but have been verbally informed, that RWY 27 is a money saving runway for FDX, and we will continue to use it. FDX "programs" and our local procedures mandate that FDX aircraft from specific "Spots" will depart RWY 27.

I suppose the allure of departing the runway that is only a few hundred yards away from your gate -vs- taxiing three miles and waiting in line is just too much to take sometimes.

MEM_ATC

Pilotpip

I had an ATC class in college. Spent about 45 minutes in front of a simulator and couldn't handle more than 5 planes at one time.

We as pilots only have to worry about keeping our plane doing what it's supposed to do. You guys can be responsible for dozens at the same time. Thanks! I'm not too pleased with the way you guys are getting jerked around right now but know that I appreciate what you do to keep us from running into each other.

AUS_ATC

Nitefrater,

There are a number of Controllers at MEM who have been documenting many procedural and safety concerns within our facility. Locally, this documentation is being made in the form of NASA ASRS reports and FAA Unsatisfactory Condition Reports (UCR). At the Regional and National level, we are forwarding all of this information to our Regional and National Safety Committee members for their action.

To date, none of the NASA reports have materialized in the NASA ASRS database system, but acknowledgement receipts have been received by the numerous Controllers who have submitted reports. The FAA has yet to respond to any individual who submitted a UCR. If something tragic ever happens here, we will at least be able to pull out some paperwork and say, "See... we told ya".

The online system at NASA works great for submitting reports. We are now able to unplug from the sector and complete a NASA report while taking a break and the information is fresh in our head.

I would encourage all pilots to file reports on unsafe conditions that you observe (at MEM or elsewhere), or even on issues that relate to ATC service. Many of the "service" related aspects of our job are mandated by management. Controllers must utitlize the airspace and operational procedures that FAA Management gives us.

If the problem is not documented somewhere, then the problem does not exist.

MEM_ATC

Overnitefr8

I've always felt the late shift crew has done an excellent job. We know all the crew by voice recognition. (Only wish I could put a face to the voice).

So is MEM mgmt also going to go through the same shift cycle changes? Probably not.

ToiletDuck

You forgot
Rule 3456.3: We're not happy until you're not happy.

DallasGatr

That midnight crew, (as well as the night crew), are awesome! They handle a very difficult situation every night with ease. Just let the new group screw it up a couple times and Fred will have the situation rectified.....QUICKLY!