SAAF flies into another shortage
Date: 25 January 2002
Shortly after the air force was given a temporary reprieve for its fuel and pilot shortages, it appears that only three full-time air-traffic controllers will be available as from the middle of February to man the Waterkloof air base, the air force's main air-freight base.
At least seven to eight air traffic controllers are required to work six shifts of four hours a day, seven days a week. The shortage might result in the base suspending its 24-hour flight traffic control service. The air force has admitted to a problem with air traffic control shortages, however, it denies the problem is unique to them. The private sector reportedly is experiencing a similar shortage due to constant air-traffic control losses to the international market. Air force traffic controllers leave the service for better pay in the private sector where, in turn, they succumb to better offers from other countries.
A spokesperson said Waterkloof air traffic controller numbers would be augmented from a group of Pretoria air traffic controllers. He declined to elaborate, but the air force would be compelled to employ these air traffic controllers on a temporary basis at market-related salaries. He added that the air force must control its own air-traffic control capabilities because military air services have unique requirements.
News24
