A veteran air-traffic controller at the facility that handles flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport is calling for more resources and speaking out about the intense pressures workers face amid a staffing shortage and tech outages. “It’s like playing 3-D chess at 250 miles an hour,” Jonathan Stewart told the Wall Street Journal in a recent interview. “Like anything else, you’re going to have a breaking point.” Stewart supervises the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility that handles flights headed to or from the busy airport, which in recent weeks has been plagued with flight delays and cancellations fueled by runway construction, congestion and air traffic control staffing shortages. It’s also the same facility that experienced blackouts on April 28 and May 9 that involved losing radar and screens going blank. Stewart is among multiple traffic controllers on trauma leave, including some who were shaken by the blackouts, which left them unable to talk to planes or see where they were located. “I don’t want to be responsible for killing 400 people,” he told the Journal. Stewart – who has been writing plane callsigns in a notebook fearing another blackout – said he averted a potential mid-air collision between two aircraft flying nose-to-nose at the same altitude on May 4, the Journal reported. CNN reached out to the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration for information on the May 4 incident. Feeling shaken after the close call, Stewart said he sent an email to FAA managers criticizing their leadership and is now speaking out to set the record straight about controllers, the Journal reported. While the controllers who manage Newark’s airspace are elite, they need more resources to be able to do their jobs, Stewart told the Journal. Five controllers took a 45-day trauma leave after the outage on April 28 caused their radar screens to go blank for 90 seconds and their radios to go out for 30 seconds during the busy afternoon. Thirty-eight certified professional controllers are needed to operate the facility, yet only 24 of the positions – 63% – are currently filled, according to the FAA. Additionally, 16 of those controllers are due to return to a New York FAA facility next year. The chaos at Newark has highlighted the challenges of an understaffed system in an already turbulent year for aviation that included a deadly collision between a passenger jet and US army helicopter at Washington, DC’s Reagan National airport. Challenges at Newark During the April 28 incident at Newark, a primary telecommunications line failed and a backup line did not kick in, FAA Deputy Chief Operating Officer Franklin McIntosh testified Wednesday at a Senate hearing. The data lines were installed after the facility moved from New York to Philadelphia in July. Similar systems are in use across the US, said McIntosh, who acknowledged the tight staffing at TRACON. Just three controllers were working all Newark arrivals and departures for over an hour Monday night. Two similar incidents have occurred at Newark’s airport within the last week. On Sunday morning, the FAA said it implemented a ground stop for flights heading to Newark because of a “telecommunications issue.” On May 9, another 90-second-long radar outage happened early in the morning at the facility. Video obtained by CBS News shows the moment blank screens inside the Philadelphia TRACON facility came back online during the May 9 outage. CNN has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the video. The Philadelphia facility, in part, guides aircraft approaching Newark airport before it hands off the planes to the airport tower, and guides planes that have just departed the airport. Authorities have been working to address the challenges at Newark. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau has said the FAA created an “emergency task force” to make sure the airport operates safely. And this week, the agency initiated a “delay reduction meeting” with major airlines in the hopes that carriers will agree to limit flights ahead of the busy summer season to minimize cancellations and delays at the airport. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air all attended the meeting. As for the staffing shortage, the FAA has said that staffing will also be increased at the Philadelphia facility, and there is a “healthy pipeline” of training classes filled through next July. But hiring and retaining controllers has been tough. The current shortage of air traffic controllers is near a 30-year low, according to 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 message earlier this month 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. Stewart told the Journal controllers hadn’t “walked off the job” and aren’t to blame for the recent delays. The air traffic controller added that safety events might not be stressful initially, but can have a cumulative effect.
WSJ: Veteran air-traffic controller speaks out about staffing and tech problems amid blackouts and delays at Newark airport
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Air Traffic Controller Raises Concerns Over Staffing and Technology Issues at Newark Airport"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Jonathan Stewart, a veteran air-traffic controller at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), has expressed grave concerns regarding the current state of staffing and technology at Newark Liberty International Airport. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Stewart described the challenges faced by air traffic controllers as akin to 'playing 3-D chess at 250 miles an hour,' highlighting the immense pressure and potential for critical errors in an already overstressed environment. The facility, which is responsible for managing flights to and from Newark, has suffered from significant staffing shortages, with only 24 out of the required 38 certified controllers currently in place. This staffing crisis has been exacerbated by a series of technological failures, including two major blackouts that left controllers unable to communicate with aircraft or track their positions. Stewart and other controllers have reported experiencing trauma as a result of these incidents, with some taking leave due to stress and anxiety from their responsibilities during these outages.
The implications of these staffing and technology challenges are profound, especially as Newark has recently seen an increase in flight delays and cancellations due to runway construction and air traffic congestion. Stewart recounted a near-collision incident he narrowly avoided on May 4, which has prompted him to vocalize the urgent need for increased resources and support for controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the critical staffing levels at TRACON and is working to address the issues, including the establishment of an emergency task force to enhance airport safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, discussions have been initiated with major airlines to limit flight schedules ahead of the busy summer season in an effort to reduce delays. Despite these measures, the shortage of air traffic controllers is at a near 30-year low, with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasizing the ongoing difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified personnel. Stewart has underscored that the controllers themselves are not to blame for the operational chaos, stressing that safety must remain the top priority amid these challenges.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report highlights significant challenges faced by air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport, particularly in light of staffing shortages and technological failures. Jonathan Stewart, a veteran air traffic controller, openly discusses the intense pressure his team endures amid these issues, emphasizing the potential dangers they pose to flight safety. The narrative presents a compelling case for the need for increased resources in air traffic control, raising concerns about the implications for public safety and the aviation industry as a whole.
Intent Behind the Publication
This article aims to draw attention to the critical staffing and technological deficiencies within the air traffic control system. By sharing personal accounts from an experienced controller, it seeks to underscore the urgency of addressing these issues, thereby advocating for better support and resources for air traffic personnel.
Public Perception
The report is likely intended to evoke a sense of concern among the public regarding aviation safety. By detailing the experiences of controllers facing trauma and operational challenges, it aims to humanize the technical aspects of air traffic control and highlight the personal stakes involved in ensuring flight safety.
Concealment of Information
While the article focuses on the operational challenges, it may downplay broader systemic issues within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The narrative does not delve into the potential long-term impacts of repeated staffing shortages and technological failures, which could be a concern for the industry and regulators.
Reliability and Manipulativeness
The article appears to be credible, presenting firsthand accounts and specific incidents to support its claims. However, it selectively focuses on the negative aspects of air traffic control without providing a balanced view of any improvements or positive developments within the FAA or air traffic management. This could suggest a degree of manipulative framing to emphasize the urgency of the matter.
Comparative Context
When compared to other reports on aviation safety and operational efficiency, this article aligns with a growing trend of highlighting systemic issues within public safety sectors. It resonates with recent discussions on the need for modernization and increased funding in various governmental departments.
Potential Societal Impact
The revelations in this report could lead to public pressure on government agencies to allocate more resources to air traffic control. This could also spark discussions in Congress about aviation safety funding, ultimately influencing policy decisions that affect the aviation industry and its workers.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to a broad audience, particularly those concerned with aviation safety, including frequent flyers, aviation industry professionals, and policymakers. It may resonate more with communities advocating for worker rights and safety standards in essential services.
Market Implications
This report may impact airline stocks and related sectors if it raises concerns about operational efficiency and safety protocols. Investors may respond to perceived risks in air travel, leading to fluctuations in stock prices for airlines and aviation service providers.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily focuses on domestic aviation issues, it connects to larger discussions about infrastructure and public safety, which are increasingly relevant in global contexts, especially as nations seek to modernize their transportation systems.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There’s no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. However, AI could have assisted in gathering data or analyzing trends in air traffic control. If AI was involved, it might have influenced the narrative by prioritizing certain data points that underscore the challenges faced by controllers.
Manipulation Potential
The article could be viewed as manipulative due to its emotional appeal and focus on personal experiences, which may overshadow the complexities of the operational environment. The language used evokes urgency and concern, potentially leading readers to advocate for immediate action without considering broader factors at play.
In conclusion, while the report effectively highlights legitimate concerns within the air traffic control system, it does so through a lens that may prioritize sensationalism over a balanced examination of the issues. The reliability of the information presented is solid, yet the framing could be seen as pushing a specific agenda for change in the aviation industry.