Originally Posted by
T8191
PUCCI ... I spent many (8?) years doing odd shift patterns at h24 ATC Units. Morning/Evening, then Afternoon/Night, a Sleep day [starting at 0800!] and then repeat ... followed by Sleep + 2 days off for an 8-day week.
We ATCOs always delivered the 100% safe and efficient service to aircrew that was expected, as do ATCOs today. OK, no jet-lag, but 3 hours on chair cushions on the crew room floor during a night shift wasn't much of a bonus either!!
Just saying.
I don’t wish to rain on your parade T8191, but we no longer do those shift patterns for a reason. Humans are very poor at recognising fatigue in themselves, and these were fatigue inducing shift cycles. People think they are providing a great service, and afterwards are surprised at the decisions they made. My point? It’snever quite as simple as “we coped”.