Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports

FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute


Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-86/2

Title and Subtitle: Biological rhythms and rotating shift work: Some considerations for air traffic controllers and managers.

Report Date: January 1986

Authors: Melton CE, Bartanowicz RS.

Abstract: This report is a general review of some of the current themes and practices regarding rotating shift work; to inform air traffic controllers, technicians, and managers of these issues; and to offer some ideas that may be helpful in dealing with difficulties in this area. There is no pat or easy single solutions to the problems of every employee. Managers are always faced with difficult decisions, and shift work is one of the most difficult because it can become an emotionally charged issue.

Key Words: circadian rhythms, air traffic controllers, job shop scheduling, biological rhythms, time.

No. of Pages: 14

Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012