The FAA does have “outside” employees in what they call their Contract Tower Program.They are found in US territories, and in the states they are usually found at smaller airports, so all told they represent almost half of all controllers. All of the contract controllers must meet the same qualification and training requirements as FAA air traffic controllers. The contract program started soon after Reagan dumped all the controllers that went out on strike back in 1981,
Besides the human ATCs, from what I hear the FAA’s air traffic control equipment, radios to radar, is about as up-to-date as California’s electrical grid.
Maybe with a real FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and a real Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, there will be a much-needed evolution.
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Probably get far superior service from a call center in Bangalore, than from the DIE hires of the Sparklefarts and Pedo Joe administrations.
Sad but true. Kind of surprised there hasn’t been more issues before this… unless it’s been happening and covered up?
Imagine calling ATC and getting a “please wait for the next available controller” recording, followed by elevator music.
Still, that’s probably better than getting some slacker dude who takes a hit off his vape tube, goes “BONNNGGG, MAAANNN!!” and hangs up on you.
Or some female with a NOLA accent who talksreallyfastcan’tbeunderstoodandifyouaskhertorepeatherselfscreams thatyou’rearacisst.
Yes, had that actual experience with AT&T. Just for asking for help with a password reset.
clear ether
eon
The FAA does have “outside” employees in what they call their Contract Tower Program.They are found in US territories, and in the states they are usually found at smaller airports, so all told they represent almost half of all controllers. All of the contract controllers must meet the same qualification and training requirements as FAA air traffic controllers. The contract program started soon after Reagan dumped all the controllers that went out on strike back in 1981,
Besides the human ATCs, from what I hear the FAA’s air traffic control equipment, radios to radar, is about as up-to-date as California’s electrical grid.
Maybe with a real FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and a real Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, there will be a much-needed evolution.