Airline Captain Warns: Newark Airport on the Brink of Erupting Like Other Volcanoes
From the mind-boggling staffing shortages to the outdated technology, and the underinvestment in critical infrastructure, the U.S. air traffic control system is under immense pressure, according to aviation experts. Captain Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association and a pilot for more than 30 years, dubs air traffic control system as a "volcano waiting to erupt," as the issues plaguing Newark Liberty International Airport are just the tip of the iceberg.
Tajer joins a chorus of experts who point out that the persistent staffing shortages, outdated technology, and lack of investment have strained the air traffic control system beyond its limits. He notes an uptick in serious runway incursions that could have been prevented with modern technology and proper staffing. Newark Airport's challenges are magnified by the ongoing construction, leaving it with only one runway operational at a time.
Last week, air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility in Philadelphia faced a devastating communication breakdown when they lost radar and radio communications for nearly 90 seconds while directing planes to Newark, the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system. This communication glitch caused significant delays and flight cancellations.
Despite these operational hiccups, industry veterans like Stephen Abraham, a former air traffic controller at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, insist that the system remains incredibly safe. Abraham reiterates that air traffic controllers ensure traffic is limited to maintain safety, and whatever delays or cancellations that occur are necessary to safeguard passengers' wellbeing.
However, Tajer maintains their stance that infrastructure failures, rooted in a lack of modern technology and poor planning for staffing needs, are a "betrayal of the stakeholder safety culture." He believes aggressive recruitment, improved retention incentives, and prioritizing controller resources are needed to secure the skies.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes the need for the U.S. "to get the best safety technology in the hands of controllers as soon as possible." As part of his efforts, Duffy announced new initiatives last week aimed at boosting the hiring and retention of air traffic controllers.
The FAA is also working to ensure that the current telecommunications equipment in the New York area is more reliable by developing a more resilient and redundant system with the local phone companies. Additionally, the FAA is updating its automation system to improve resiliency.
In conclusion, the ongoing crisis in the U.S. air traffic control system requires immediate attention. With persistent staffing shortages, outdated technology, and a lack of investment, the system is teetering on the brink. It's time to prioritize the modernization of the air traffic control system, provide controllers with the much-needed technology, and establish robust support systems to retain and attract talent. After all, safety in the skies should never be a privilege—it should be a given.
- The air traffic control system in the U.S. is under intense pressure due to factors like mind-boggling staffing shortages, outdated technology, and underinvestment in critical infrastructure, according to aviation experts.
- Captain Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, refers to the air traffic control system as a "volcano waiting to erupt," citing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport as just the beginning.
- Tajer, along with other experts, highlights persisting staffing shortages, outdated technology, and lack of investment as factors that have pushed the air traffic control system beyond its limits.
- A recent incident at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility in Philadelphia saw air traffic controllers lose radar and radio communications for nearly 90 seconds, causing significant delays and flight cancellations.
- Despite claims of safety, Tajer argues that infrastructure failures, resulting from a lack of modern technology and poor planning for staffing needs, are a "betrayal of the stakeholder safety culture."
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes the urgency to equip controllers with the best safety technology as soon as possible and has announced new initiatives to boost hiring and retention of air traffic controllers.
