Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) has joined the Long Island delegation in sending a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), urging them to reconsider the reassignment of seventeen air traffic controllers from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON/N90) in Westbury to Philadelphia Tower/TRACON.

LaLota stated, “For months, I have been explicitly clear that the FAA's blatant disregard for the personal and professional lives of our air traffic controllers is unacceptable. These Long Islanders deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity they have earned through long hours of doing everything they can to keep our communities safe.” He added that these workers ensure the safety and efficiency of our skies, and their families deserve stability, not upheaval. He urged the FAA to rescind their ill-considered reassignment plan and prioritize the welfare of our invaluable air traffic controllers.

Air traffic controllers at New York TRACON N90 are responsible for air traffic and safety arriving to and departing from JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Long Island MacArthur.

LaLota’s letter highlights that attempts to relocate air traffic controllers from Long Island are unacceptable. It urges the FAA to rescind these reassignments and consider alternative options. The letter criticizes the FAA's repeated attempts to force reassignments, citing previous opposition from local controllers and Congress.

The letter argues that the FAA's reliance on monetary incentives overlooks personal aspects such as impact on controllers' families, homes, and community ties. It emphasizes adverse effects of forced reassignments on controllers' personal lives including separation from spouses, disruption to families, challenges related to homeownership and caregiving responsibilities. It also points out potential negative consequences on job performance and public safety. Finally, LaLota’s letter calls for the FAA to reconsider its reassignment plan and protect air traffic controllers from forced relocation.