Quote from the Avherald site "On Mar 24th the NTSB reported, the controller in question had 20 years of experience, 17 thereof at Washington National Airport, admitted in an interview that he had fallen asleep. This had been his fourth consecutive overnight shift, the NTSB is looking into human fatigue issues."
So it's true what Bloomberg wrote....
Second quote:
"By JB Pilot on Thursday, Mar 24th 2011 21:34Z
Sir I have been an airline pilot for 20 years, flying for 3 different 121 air carriers, the most current being JetBlue Airways. There is no FAR requirement for air traffic control services as a condition for airport operations for 121 air carriers. I have flown into dozens of airports on the Eastern seaboard, without ATC. PHF, SBY, BTV, HPN, PWM, ILM, just to name a few, are all airports I have operated to without an operating control tower. Air Carrier OPS Specs clearly authorize these operations, and set forth the procedures that must be followed for operating at an airport without an operating control tower.
Sorry, but just because the tower closes, does not mean all air carrier operations cease. It is done every day, safe and sound and legal"
So it seems not to be an issue at all ?
http://www.avherald.com/h?article=439ce8f9&opt=0