Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 5300; Flight Crew Type 150
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure; Workload
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Staffing
Though we had no issues; I wish to report that a staff shortage was causing great delays and potential problems. When we arrived at FRG a single Controller was operating all ATC frequencies: Tower; Ground; and Clearance. The airport was too busy for that and needed another Controller. We got clearance to land from a visual approach very late due to traffic and frequency congestion. While taxiing in; we heard of an airplane blocking another (not sure if that was a bad taxi clearance or pilot error). After unloading and refueling we waited a very long time for our departure clearance. The Controller; though keeping her cool; was obviously overworked still handling all 3 frequencies. When we departed; at a possible shift change; a new person did come on Tower frequency. It was the first time we had heard a different voice. If this was the normal controller schedule for the day; then it was not enough. This is a busy airport with small piston aircraft mixed in with jet aircraft of all sizes; as well as 3 runways. Add communication with New York Approach into the mix; the Tower Controller should not be handling any other frequencies.
A corporate jet pilot reported that all FRG ATC functions were being handled by one person at a very busy time of the day; which caused extensive clearance and departure delays.