The FAA says PHX TRACON has a 'staffing range' of 50-62. They made this number up. Three years ago we had 74 controllers on board. On May 1st 2007 we will have 50 certified to work any traffic. I'm not saying we need 70, but 50 is not enough either. A few facts: so far in 2007 there has been more overtime worked at P50 than in all of 2004-05 combined. During the 1st week of March '06 both deparure handoff positions were staffed for more than 30 hours each. During the first week of March '07 they were both open exactly 4 hours each. The "Willy" sector (a satellite sector handling numerous practice approaches at IWA on 124.9) was open more than 20 hours for this week in '06. This week in 2007 it was open three hours. The FAA is undermining safety with these staffing numbers. It's much worse than anyone thinks. The consequences will be worse also. Lexington is just the tip of the iceberg. There will be a fatal accident or accidents costing hundreds of lives. And no matter how much you try to tell the controllers involved its not their fault, that they weren't given the help or training they needed, it won't matter. Its our job to keep them separated no matter what. Saying "I told you so" will not make me feel better when these things come to pass and they are coming fast.
LH
