Informative Speech Outline
Title: Air traffic control and staff shortages due to exhaustion
Purpose: Informational
Objective: to discuss what an air traffic controller's job entails, how it is affected by fatigue, and
the importance of staffing shortages.
Thesis: The job of air traffic control is critical in keeping passengers safe, but fatigue and staff
shortages are significant problems.
I. Introduction
A. Attention getter. Have you ever thought about the job of an air traffic controller? They do
more than most people realize in ensuring our safety in the sky.
B. Relevance. The safety of air travel impacts millions of people who fly annually.
C. Credibility. As an aviation administration student and someone who hopes to one day work
in aviation, this is a topic I find interesting and informative.
D. Thesis statement. Air traffic control has a complex job with issues of exhaustion and lack of
staff due to various reasons that directly impacts their performance.
E. Preview. Today, I'll begin with the job of air traffic control, then I'll address how exhaustion
can influence their jobs, and finally I'll discuss the impact of staffing shortages.
II. Body
A. The air traffic control system keeps planes safe.
1. They monitor and direct airplanes during all phases of flight, from take-off and landing to
while in the air.
2. Their main concern is ensuring that planes are at safe distances from other planes at all
times, in all aspects of flight.
3. Controllers work closely with pilots to guide them through their flight path and to help keep
flights on schedule.
Transition: Their critical position in the system requires that they be alert at all times, but
working a complex job such as this often brings challenges in fatigue.
B. Exhaustion poses challenges in the system.
1. Controllers are known for their work schedules that often include overnights, weekends, and
holidays in addition to traditional work hours.
2. Fatigue can result in slowed reaction times, less focused concentration, and more errors in
decision-making, which is a dangerous mix when you are in control of an airplane that carries
lives.
3. Adequate sleep and a schedule that prevents burnout are necessary for these controllers.
Transition: Beyond the toll that fatigue takes on controllers, there are more controllers who are
needed in order to adequately run the entire system.
C. Shortage of Staffing impacts the air traffic control system.
1. Many air traffic control towers across the country lack sufficient numbers of controllers.
2. These shortfalls are often addressed with current staff working extra hours.
3. The FAA is looking for and trying to train controllers, but the process is time-consuming
before individuals are cleared to perform the duties of an air traffic controller.
Transition: These complex issues of fatigue and staffing continue to present themselves as
controllers dedicate themselves to their important jobs every day.
III. Conclusion
A. Review. Today we discussed the work of air traffic controllers and the negative impact of
fatigue and staffing shortages in the system.
B. Restate thesis. The challenging and life-saving job of an air traffic controller is currently
compromised by staffing shortages and exhaustion.
C. Closing. The next time you are flying, I hope you will remember the important work of the air
traffic controllers working to get you to your destination safe and on time.