'Put yourself in our shoes': Asheville air traffic controller talks shutdown impacts - WLOS

Albert Navarro, Asheville Air traffic controller and president of the local NATCA (National air traffic controllers association) union. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — 

Asheville air traffic controller Albert Navarro works full-time in the airport tower at Asheville Regional, guiding planes in from 10,000 feet in the air.

“I absolutely love this job,” Navarro said. “You have to be a perfectionist.”

But, since December, Navarro -- along with 16 of his colleagues -- hasn’t received a paycheck due to the government shut-down.

“We have controllers here worried about paying their mortgage, paying their rent. It's a lot of mixed emotions,” he said.

The National Air Traffic Controller Union (NATCA) has an ongoing social media campaign in hopes of keeping their story in the spotlight. The fact is air traffic controllers are essential government workers, so they must show-up to keep the planes on safe routes and to avoid mid-air collisions.

Navarro said the increasing stress of unpaid bills is causing issues for him and other controllers.

“And, it does affect your sleep at night. The FAA has numerous protocols, including getting good sleep. How can you be well-rested when you don't know the next time you're going to get paid,” Navarro wondered.

As local union president, Navarro is asking citizens to email and write Congress.

“Put yourself in our shoes," he said.

Navarro mentioned the 10-year challenge making rounds on Facebook and asked people to consider trying his version -- the “government shutdown challenge.”

“Pretend like your last paycheck was in December, and you do not know when you will get paid again,” he said.

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