Air traffic controllers in Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control had been guiding planes to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey last week when communication went down. “Approach, are you there?” one pilot asked the controller, who had stopped responding. United Airlines flight 1951, flying from New Orleans to Newark, a major hub for the company, tried to radio the controller five times before they got a response. “United 1951, how do you hear me?” the controller finally asks, according to air traffic control conversations recorded by the website LiveATC.net. “I got you loud and clear, United 1951,” the pilot responds. But those 30 seconds of silence when communication went down ultimately cascaded into a weeklong meltdown at Newark, one of the nation’s largest airports. It resulted in delays and cancellations for thousands of customers, controllers taking leave for trauma, and renewed scrutiny on an outdated air traffic control system. The chaos also highlighted the challenges of an understaffed air traffic control system, the latest incident in an already turbulent year for aviation that included a deadly collision between a passenger jet and US army helicopter. “I don’t know where you are” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News Monday traffic controllers had lost the primary communication and the backup line did not immediately take over. Audio obtained by CNN shows the tense moments from the afternoon of April 28. “United (flight) 674, radar contact lost,” a controller tells a pilot flying to Newark from Charleston, South Carolina. “We lost our radar so just stay on the arrival and maintain 6000 (feet).” The same flight, traveling at hundreds of miles an hour, returns to the radar but does not show up in an accurate position. The connectivity between Federal Aviation Administration radar and the frequencies that air traffic controllers use to manage planes flying in and out of the airport “completely failed,” a source with knowledge of the situation said. Without radar, another approach controller told the pilot of a smaller aircraft to rely on towers for clearance. “Do I have bravo clearance?” the pilot asks. Bravo clearance is permission to enter into the airspace surrounding a larger airport, like Newark Liberty International. “No, you do not have a bravo clearance. We lost our radar and it’s not working correctly. Radar service terminates… If you want a bravo clearance, you can just call the tower when you get closer,” the controller said. About 15 – 20 flights were being controlled by Newark Liberty International Airport approach controllers when communication and radar went down on Monday, April 28, according to an analysis by flight tracking site Flightradar24. The number is based on the altitude of aircraft bound for and departing Newark and audio from the approach radio frequency, Ian Petchenik, the Director of Communications for the site tells CNN. No crashes occurred, but at least five FAA employees took 45 days of trauma leave afterward. The incident has compounded existing staffing shortages and equipment failures and contributed to frustrating hourslong delays for passengers, Duffy told Fox News. More than 150 flights into or out of the airport on Monday were canceled, with more than 350 flights delayed, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. The FAA has indicated it expects delays at the airport to continue due to the staffing shortages. Duffy added that authorities will have to slow traffic at Newark before restoring full capacity. A traumatic event The current shortage of air traffic controllers is nearly the worst in 30 years, said the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents 10,800 certified air traffic controllers across the country. The control facility responsible for traffic at Newark has been “chronically understaffed for years,” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a Friday message addressing the delays. He also said the shortage was compounded by over 20% of FAA controllers who “walked off the job” at Newark Airport last week. A CNN analysis of FAA airspace advisories shows at least 14 straight days of FAA-imposed delays for flights to or from Newark. The controller’s union said workers did not “walk off the job.” “The controllers didn’t just walk off the job they were traumatized, their equipment failed,” the source with knowledge of the situation said. “It’s written in the regulations if they experience a traumatic event —they can take time off to go see psychiatrist.. the people working that day did that.” But filling those empty positions is not an issue that can be sorted overnight, according to the FAA. Air traffic control applicants must be less than 31 years old so they can work the mandatory 20 or 25 years needed to qualify for pensions before their mandatory retirement age of 56, according to the FAA. Physical stamina and mental sharpness is also required to do the job. “While we cannot quickly replace (the controllers) due to this highly specialized profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace,” the FAA said. A frail system in place Flights arriving to Newark were experiencing an average delay of 4 hours and 54 minutes as of Monday evening. One passenger, Geraldine Wallace, told CNN Sunday she was anxious about the staffing shortage after her flight was delayed for almost three hours. Mark Wallace, her partner, told CNN he was more worried about equipment failures. “As concerning as the manpower issue is, according to news reports, the equipment that they’re using out of Philadelphia is antiquated,” he said. The Department of Transportation will announce a plan Thursday to transform the air traffic control system, remodeling an outdated system that contributed to days of delays at Newark International Airport, Duffy, the transportation secretary, told Fox News on Monday. The system used to manage air traffic at Newark is “incredibly old,” Duffy said. “We use floppy disks. We use copper wires,” he said Friday. “The system that we’re using is not effective to control the traffic that we have in the airspace today.” Duffy has since pledged to implement a new, “state-of-the-art” system at air traffic control facilities across the country that would be the “envy of the world” – but said it might take three to four years. “We are going to radically transform the way air traffic control looks,” Duffy told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham. President Donald Trump has “bought into the plan,” he said. Duffy also reiterated that the airspace was still safe. Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, said he wasn’t sure he’d want to fly out of Newark for the next 10 days. “We have a very safe system, but anytime it’s stressed like this, where you have controllers who are feeling under maximum pressure, it impacts safety – and people have a right to be concerned,” Goelz told CNN. “You cannot expect humans to function at their highest level for sustained periods of time with this kind of pressure on them.” CNN’s Lauren Mascarenhas, Rene Marsh, Zoe Sottile and Holly Yan contributed to this report.
Inside the multi-day meltdown at Newark airport
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Communication Failure Leads to Major Disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport"
CNN
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Last week, Newark Liberty International Airport faced a significant crisis when air traffic controllers in Philadelphia lost communication with pilots approaching the airport. This incident began with United Airlines flight 1951, which struggled to reach air traffic control for about 30 seconds, leading to a cascade of problems that resulted in extensive delays and cancellations. The breakdown of communication and radar systems on April 28 ultimately affected around 15 to 20 flights, with over 150 flights canceled and more than 350 delayed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that this failure highlighted the chronic understaffing of air traffic controllers, which has become a pressing issue in the aviation sector. Following the incident, at least five FAA employees took trauma leave due to the stressful circumstances they faced, further complicating the staffing shortages at the airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the situation was exacerbated by the fact that controllers could not rely on backup communication systems when the primary lines failed, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of air traffic management at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
The fallout from this incident has reignited discussions about the need for modernizing the air traffic control system, which has been criticized for relying on outdated technology, including floppy disks and copper wiring. Duffy has announced plans for a major overhaul of the air traffic control infrastructure, aiming to implement a new system within the next three to four years that would enhance operational efficiency and safety. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has highlighted that the current shortage of controllers is among the worst in three decades, and there are significant challenges in quickly filling these positions due to the specialized nature of the job. Many controllers are under immense pressure, which can affect safety, as noted by experts in the field. The combination of equipment failures, staffing shortages, and the strain on controllers raises serious questions about the future of air travel safety at Newark and potentially across the country, as the FAA continues to work on solutions to these systemic issues.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an in-depth look at a significant communication failure within the air traffic control system that led to a major disruption at Newark Liberty International Airport. This incident not only highlights the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector but also raises questions about the reliability of the air traffic control infrastructure.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind the publication seems to be to inform the public about the serious implications of communication failures in air traffic control. By detailing the chaos that ensued following the breakdown, the article aims to underscore the necessity for systemic improvements and increased funding for a modernized air traffic control system. The piece also appears to advocate for greater awareness of the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, particularly in the context of understaffing and outdated technology.
Public Perception and Concerns
This report likely aims to create a sense of urgency among the public regarding air travel safety. By illustrating the chaos experienced by thousands of passengers, it raises concerns about the reliability of air travel and the potential risks posed by an understaffed and outdated system. The narrative could foster anxiety among travelers about their safety when flying, especially in light of previous incidents in aviation, such as the collision mentioned.
Potential Cover-ups or Omissions
The article does not appear to conceal any significant information; instead, it offers a transparent account of the incident. However, it may not delve deeply enough into broader systemic issues or potential political implications, such as budget cuts affecting air traffic control staffing and technology improvements. This could lead to a perception that the article presents a limited view of the problem.
Manipulative Elements and Reliability
While the article presents factual information, its emphasis on the chaos and human element may evoke an emotional response from readers. The narrative could be seen as somewhat manipulative if one considers that it aims to provoke a reaction rather than simply inform. The reliability of the information seems high, given that it references audio recordings and statements from credible sources like Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Connection to Other News
This incident is part of a larger narrative concerning aviation safety in 2023, which has been marked by various disruptions and accidents. It aligns with ongoing discussions about the need for reforms in the aviation industry, reflecting a growing concern over the aging infrastructure and the demand for modern solutions.
Impact on Society and Economy
The consequences of this incident could be far-reaching. It may lead to increased scrutiny of air travel regulations and potentially prompt legislative action regarding air traffic control funding and staffing. The aviation sector, already recovering from the pandemic, could face renewed challenges if public confidence in air travel diminishes.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate with a broad audience, particularly frequent flyers and those concerned about aviation safety. It may especially appeal to advocacy groups pushing for reform within the aviation industry, as well as policymakers focused on infrastructure improvements.
Market Implications
This news could influence airline stocks and related investments, particularly if it leads to discussions about increased government spending on aviation safety and technology upgrades. Companies involved in air traffic management and technology might see a positive impact, whereas airlines could face scrutiny if public confidence wanes.
Global Context
While not directly connected to global power dynamics, the incident reflects the challenges faced by nations in managing critical infrastructure. The ongoing discussions surrounding aviation safety are relevant to current global events, particularly as countries aim to improve their transportation systems post-pandemic.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in the creation of this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have been used to analyze data or generate initial drafts. The narrative structure and emotional appeal suggest a human touch in the writing, focused on engaging the audience.
Overall, the article is a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities within the aviation system, emphasizing the critical need for modernization and staffing improvements to ensure passenger safety.