July 22, 201511 yr Active Members For those of us who do a fair amount of travel, the below cited article is bizarre. If a departing aircraft hadn't called for assistance because of being ignored, who knows what would have happened with incoming aircraft. Anyway, here is an the article on the at-work drunk ATC guy. http://5newsonline.com/2015/07/16/springdale-air-traffic-controller-arrested-on-suspicion-of-intoxication/
July 22, 201511 yr Active Members OMG. I had no idea that air traffic controllers could be contractors and not a "real" ATC.
July 22, 201511 yr Active Members Please note that because this is a rare incident it is news. FSM (Fort Smith, Arkansas) is a small, low traffic airport. Control towers are approved by the FAA based upon traffic count. At a certain level of traffic, there could be a NFCT aka non-federal control tower, which is approved by the FAA but not staffed by FAA employees. With more traffic, an FAA control tower is approved, staffed with FAA employees. Generally speaking, airline traffic goes into airports that have FAA staffed control towers. There are a few exceptions, but very few. Don't worry, the FAA is there to help you, just like any other government agency. Best regards, RA1
July 22, 201511 yr Active Members Whether or not this makes one feel safer, part of the safety protocol is random drug and alcohol testing of air traffic controllers. Clearly no system is foolproof but hopefully because it so rare, as RA1 alludes to, the system seems to be working pretty well (hopefully). My understanding is if the test result goes above 1/4 the typical legal limit for driving a car, the controller is removed from duty. Not sure if the numbers are current or not, but I think that means above .02%. If above 1/2 the typical legal limit for driving a car, the controller is subject to arrest. Those that are given random testing are those in a position with "critical safety or security sensitive responsibilities"
July 23, 201511 yr Active Members Safety is certainly relative. There is no such thing as "complete" safety. One is only relatively safe and that is generally because one avoids certain situations. Flying is relatively safe. Driving a car is somewhat less so. Living in a big city with crime and other problems is also less so. Engaging in certain activities can be dangerous. I have had various conversations with clients about "safety". They are safe when on my aircraft. They may not be safe otherwise. What can one do to be "completely safe"? There is no such exclusion. Anonymity is perhaps the safest solution. Good luck with that one if you are famous, wealthy or otherwise "newsworthy". Best regards, RA1
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