AUSTIN, Texas — It can be one of the most stressful jobs in the world.
Air traffic controllers are tasked with making sure planes take off and land at the airport safely and efficiently.
But try doing that job without knowing when you'll get your next paycheck.
"It's definitely adding a lot of stress to everyone who needs to come in and do their job every day, especially this safety-related job," Mark Fellner, an air traffic controller specialist at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), said.
Fellner is also the local representative for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. He represents the air traffic controllers at ABIA's Austin Tower.
They've been working without pay for nearly five weeks.
"There's some of us that are looking at second jobs. There's some of us that are looking, perhaps, at early retirement. There's some of us that are even looking at resigning at the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] at this point," he said.
Even before the shutdown, Fellner said they've had to overcome a shortage of air traffic controllers. And with equipment and programs in need of repair, his union believes the system is becoming less safe -- a risk for passengers.
"We can't sustain what we're doing right now if this continues. We just cannot sustain it," he said.
It's a thought that's crossed the minds of fliers David and Rita Gibbs, who flew back to Austin from San Diego Thursday night.
"Being overworked is another story and being fatigued -- there are things there that are stretching people. Yes, it came into my mind," Rita said.
However, Fellner said air traffic controllers at ABIA are doing their best.
"Even under this duress, even under this increased anxiety of when they're going to get paid and how they're going to live and find some food, they're still coming to work and doing their job with a smile on their face and to the best of their abilities," Fellner said.
An airport spokesperson said operations at ABIA have not been impacted by the shutdown.
A FAA spokesperson sent KVUE the following statement:
"Overall, the traveling public can be assured that our nation's airspace system is safe. Air traffic controllers and the technicians who maintain the nation’s airspace system continue working as they fill a critical mission to ensure the public's safety. We sincerely thank FAA employees -- especially the dedication and professionalism of our air traffic controllers, technicians and inspectors -- who are working to keep the traveling public and our skies safe.
The FAA continually reviews and analyzes the performance of the national airspace system to assess its safety and efficiency. We have seen no unusual increased absenteeism and there are no operational disruptions due to staffing. Also, we have seen no measurable increase in unplanned air traffic controller retirements or resignations. We remain grateful to the air traffic controllers for their professional and dedication to their safety mission."