In response to reported incidents of air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job over the past few weeks, the FAA is giving controllers more rest between shifts.
Controllers now have a minimum of nine hours off between shifts, up from eight. They no longer will be able to swap shifts unless they have a minimum of nine hours off between the last shift they worked and the one they want to begin.
Also, controllers will no longer be able to switch to an unscheduled midnight shift following a day off.
And FAA managers will schedule their own shifts in a way to ensure greater coverage in the early morning and late night hours, said the FAA.
In addition to changes in scheduling practices, the FAA will launch a "fatigue education program" to teach controllers the risks of fatigue and how to avoid it.
The FAA will also commission an independent review of the air traffic control training curriculum and qualifications to make sure new controllers are properly prepared.