McCarran's Air Traffic Controller is "incapacitated" while he was in service

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – An air traffic controller became "handicapped" while he was on duty at McCarran International Airport late Wednesday night.

The FAA has issued a statement on the incident.

"The FAA is deeply concerned by the incident, is thoroughly investigating what has happened, and is taking immediate action to change its night shift staffing policies." No security-related events are taking place. Is produced during this traffic incident. "

The officials did not specify how the employee became disabled, but the air traffic controller eventually stopped responding.

The FAA stated that the controller's performance was normal when her shift began at 22:06. and then his performance started to deteriorate at 23:09. and became altered at 11:24 pm The controller appeared to be unresponsive at 11:47 pm. The other service controller returned from a break at 11:50 pm and started to manage air traffic at 23:54

The FAA said the current policy allowed breaks, but that after Wednesday's incident, the FAA changed its night staffing policy.

"The FAA will require that two controllers work in the tower cabin until a certain time, depending on work periods and traffic levels.The policy will come into effect today."

Although the FAA did not report any security incidents, some pilots chose not to take off because of the problem.

Rosemary Vassiliadis, director of aviation for Clark County, issued a statement Friday afternoon.

"Safety is still the top priority in aviation." McCarran International Airport staff was informed of an incident involving an air traffic controller Wednesday night and immediately reacted by making contact with the FAA on several levels to help him solve his problem. "

MP Dina Titus also issued a statement on the incident. She is a member of the subcommittee on aviation of the House.

"I have been informed of the McCarran air traffic control incident and I am waiting for more details, but I found the initial reports extremely disturbing. The safety of travelers is a primary concern and I will work with the FAA and McCarran as the investigation progresses. "