On average, there have been multiple airline close calls per week so far this year, the report says.
Several of the close calls were linked to mistakes by air traffic controllers, a workforce that's severely understaffedA government audit released in June found that 77% of critical air traffic control facilities in the US are staffed below the recommended threshold.
Shaun Best/ReutersClose-call incidents are often the result of human error, such as mistakes made by air traffic controllers and pilots, the investigation found.
The US continues to face a shortage of air traffic controllers, with 77% of critical air traffic control facilities in the US staffed below the recommended threshold, according to a government audit released in June.
Are you an air traffic controller or training to become one?
Persons:
It's, Shaun Best, General
Organizations:
New York Times, Federal Aviation Administration, Times, Southwest Airlines, FAA, Safety, Reuters, Transportation Department
Locations:
San Diego