• The 2-2-1 schedule, or 'rattler', is a common shift pattern for US air traffic controllers.
• Controllers work five eight-hour shifts in 88 hours, with quick turnarounds between shifts.
• The schedule can lead to fatigue, with controllers averaging 3.25 hours of sleep before midnight shifts.
• The FAA has implemented some changes to address fatigue, but the 2-2-1 schedule remains in use.

The 2-2-1 schedule may indicate a trade-off between controller work-life balance and the need for efficient air traffic control operations. The schedule's potential impact on fatigue and safety could have significant implications for the FAA and the air traffic control system as a whole, and may suggest a need for further reforms to prioritize controller well-being and safety.