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FAA Covering Up Serious Flight Errors: Controllers

Federal agency not retraining pilots after redesigns

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 12, 2008 12:32 PM CST

(Newser) – Air traffic controllers at one of the nation’s busiest airports are accusing the FAA of “covering up” potentially dangerous aircraft deviations on the tarmac, the Record of Bergen County reports. Newark Liberty International Airport recently redesigned the airspace in an effort to ease delays and increase efficiency, but controllers and pilots say the changes have left them confused and scrambling to avert disaster.

“It’s a nightmare,” said an exec with the controller’s union. The FAA, which hasn’t set up courses to retrain pilots, says only four deviations have happened since September, but controller records show three incidents occurring on Thanksgiving morning alone. “Eventually we’re going to whack two planes together,” a union rep said, “and then they're going to say something about it.”

[Images (4)]

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Controllers are accusing the FAA of "covering up" by not reporting what some say could be hundreds of "pilot deviations" in which aircraft follow the wrong departure instructions. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

When controllers have sought to report flight deviations, they've been told by supervisors: "Don't bother," said Edward Kragh, the controllers' union representative. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

"Air traffic controllers who are handling planes departing from Newark Liberty International Airport are using procedures that are operationally feasible and safe," the FAA said. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Continental Airlines jets surround terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

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You set everybody up for failure. The guys actually doing the work are not the ones who have input in the process. - Mike Hynes, a Continental Airlines pilot

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FAA Covering Up Serious Flight Errors: Controllers