MatthewMateo

Air traffic control is complicated. We offer navigation and traffic separation services, but we are not wholly responsible for the conduct of the flight. Pilots will listen to our instructions and basically decide whether it’s a good decision or not. This helps cut back on some errors from ATC. There’s also a lot of redundancy in ATC. You train for a pretty good amount of time with a controller that is qualified on that position as well as being qualified to instruct on the job, and there is always a supervisor in whatever branch or sector you are working in. With the FAA starting to implement Next Gen (more GPS based guidance), there will be even more systems put into place to guide pilots. Human error is a major factor as well as sleep deprivation and even alcohol consumption. Air traffic controllers have very strict medical standards to adhere to help prevent some of these issues.

That makes me sad. I can't even begin to fathom what has happened to you, but being open about this is very admirable. Thank you for the AMA.

Any thing for Air Traffic Control Specialists? The FAA ain't biting BECAUSE I have experience.