Originally Posted by
PLeblond
Given the increasing number of ATC close calls over the last few years (that seem to be increasing recently based on my subjective viewing of ATC incidents) on top of the staffing situation, not to mention the stress caused by US Budget issues, perhaps the saddest thing about this was how utterly predictable it was. Despite the horrific loss of life here, it could have been a lot worse. And the conditions for more incidents are still ever-present.
This is absolutely accurate. My other half is a FA, and she’s been talking about the worsening situation in the US airspace. After this incident, we’ve decided it simply isn’t work the risk to work US flights, and will be taking any steps we can to keep them out of her schedule. We had already been reducing overnight stays in the US, but until things improve, we think the best course of action is to just not operate there. It’s not just ATC issues, the stress level in the airports is off the charts (and sure to get worse with ICE on the ground as of today), and that directly impacts the potential for passenger issues onboard.
Just a sick feeling in the stomach today for that whole crew, the firefighters and the controller. Awful.