USA – U.S Pilots Warn Government Shutdown is Affecting Safety
US pilots have urged President Trump and congressional leaders to end the shutdown of government agencies because it is adversely affecting the safety, security and efficiency of the national airspace system.
The call comes as news reports say airport screeners are calling in sick in increasing numbers and fretting about making ends meet as a result of the shutdown.
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) says the impact so far has been minimal but it has warned travelers may have to wait longer in security lines. TSA agents, air traffic controllers and Federal Aviation Administration workers are among those affected by the impasse between trump and Democrats over funding for a border wall between the US and Mexico.
The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) represents 61,000 pilots says in its letter that disruptions caused by the shutdown are threatening the safety of the nation’s complex airspace system.