Air-traffic controller suspended: Chatting

Should have fired him.

Given NYC and the Statue of Liberty remains terrorist targets and has remained in "Code Orange" since 9/11, it amazes me that a low altitude free-for-all is still allowed.

Why should it amaze you Kenny? New York folks feel they are entitled and priviledged and can anything they want. One of the loud mouth east coast know-it-alls will have some goofy reason why it's acceptable to do the free for all. Tragic but oh so New York

How awful that people involved in the safety of others did not think enough of their job to do it properly. It's too late now for 9 people, but perhaps someone, somewhere, will be affected so in the future a disaster will be averted.

Are you serious Old Man Bruce? You're blaming the entire East Coast for this because they are entitled loud mouths? Wow. I guess there are no priviledged people in Chicago? You are a total classless loser who has probably never left the metropolitan area.

This story is beyond irresponsible. The crash occurred in airspace that isnt under air traffic control. Having 100 more controllers would not have prevented this. Yes the controller should be fired, but linking it to this accident is outrageous.

All the wingnuts must be in a talking points to try to help Obama's titanic health care program otherwise they would be here blaming Ronald Reagan.

How very sad - I thought I had a tough job! This is exactly how I felt after reading this news: http://www.wastedcarbon.com/2009/08/air-traffic-controller-hudson-crash/

I have a "what if?" question.

The controller's supervisor was nowhere to be found. Let's say the controller had to relieve himself all of a sudden. Would he have been suspended for leaving his post when the only other option was to go to the bathroom in his pants?

Not saying it's okay for him to be on the phone chatting, but I would like to hear his side of the story.

Old Man Bruce, they can anything they want? Like more than peaches? My word!

For one, Teterboro Airport is in New Jersey. But in your ignorance you've happened to describe the entire country. You make it sound like everyone who died on 9/11 deserved it.

Spoken like someone who's never been to NY.

Old man Bruce your comment is very random. Whether these aircraft crashed a mile above water or 1000 feet they still would have crashed. These tourists were Italian. Also, what do you mean New Yorkers feel entitled to whatever they want, like, flying wherever they want? I'm pretty sure that's just a stipulation of the law buddy. Worried about old people reasonably these days more than young folks, from the Midwest...

Jack

Maybe now, all city, state, and federal employees with direct involvement of mass transit and air traffic will be BANNED from using their cell/smart phones while on duty. Why are these employees even allowed to make personal phonecalls while on duty???

What, and you think attitudes like those you mentioned here apply to NYC and it's citizens only??

It applies far further than just NYC. I can see it even in your reply. It's a huge problem and getting bigger every day. And "Yes," there IS a connection to many of todays problems.

Gee, maybe it's time to get some FAA Air Traffic Controllers who still have an attention span... Like some good Baby Boomers. Might ...offend the Gen-X ATC Controllers... and it might also save the lives of pilots and passengers in the future. Gen-Xer rep was contacted for comment: "Whatever!!!!!!"

[[Why should it amaze you Kenny? New York folks feel they are entitled and priviledged and can anything they want. One of the loud mouth east coast know-it-alls will have some goofy reason why it's acceptable to do the free for all. Tragic but oh so New York
Posted by: Old man Bruce | August 13, 2009 9:04 PM]]

ssshhhhhh! your inferiority complex is showing. why don't you just admit that you could never hack it in new york so we can all move on.

I can not believe this. first we have commuter train operators on cell phones while working, now air traffic controllers, what's next? Pilots on phones! They are saying he or she may not have caused the crash. But if they were doing their jobs CORRECTLY, it might have been avoidable. z

wut.....controllers can multi-task...they do it all the time. Eat,drink and sleep on postion....whats the big deal? at least he wasn't texting. and the Sup, well he was probably out of the facility doing personal business on the clock---happens all the time

Brianne, I believe its called "FREEDOM".

The origianl report I heard stated that both aircraft were in an area that was not within the TCA (Termianal Control Area) of any airport and thus were not being controlled by an ATC (Air Traffic Controller) As a licensed pilot, it is thus up to the pilots of the 2 aircraft to be watching for other traffic in their area.

It is unbelievably WRONG to even imply that an air traffic controller has any culpability in this matter. The accident happened in uncontrolled airspace, the conditions were VFR, and it was the pilots' responsibility to maintain visual separation from other traffic.

Wonder if the supervisor that was out of the building at the time was having a smoke break?

Vietvet2, Your comment is insane. There are, and should be, rules for people while on the job, especially if their job entails responsibility for the safety and lives of others.

Kenny Bunkport, a sight-seeing helicopter and small airplane will not take down a building. That is why they can fly in NY. Da Mayor of Chicago had planned to close Miegs Field before 911 and used it as an excuse. The main reason was the $3 million deficit it was running.

The controller was NOT responsible for these aircraft at the time of the accident. Have YOU ever used the phone for a private call while at work. Read the article. Was it right NO.

My comments insane,your view. War is insane

Willie,

It's what they can carry -- big unpleasant surprises can come in small packages.

If it was uncontrolled airspace and the weather was clear, then they were most likely flying under VFR (Visual Flying Rules). In terms of air traffic, VFR essentially means "look out for and don't hit other aircraft". Under these conditions, collision avoidance is the pilot's responsibility.

this air space is not even under control of the FAA VFR Visual flight rules, if the guy was breaking policy thats another story, How many controllers at Aurora "Chicago Center" are guilty of the same thing?? Let us know when you have some real news... like some sleeping pilots landing at the wrong airport or flying while intoxicated, or the 60 year old computer system takes a dump!! and EVERYBODY is flying blind. "ok everyone lets all go around while we try to restart this ole POS "piece of ***T computer." Thanks for flying with us today!

New Yorkers and most of those on the east coast suck and have retardation. Midwesterners have more "common sense" than any of the people on both coasts and the people down in the "dirty south". You all need to go back to school and learn some things pertinent to today's society and beyond.

'Nuff said!!!