One of the things keeping me formally involved in aviation for almost 40 years is the usually unquestioned willingness for all members of this community-pilots, mechanics, controllers and, at least some of the time, even the FAA-to pull together and help make the “system” work for us all. Of course, its sometimes difficult to envision all parties are working on our behalf when were on a vector 180 288
A Little Help, Please
One of the things keeping me formally involved in aviation for almost 40 years is the usually unquestioned willingness for all members of this community-pilots, mechanics, controllers and, at least some of the time, even the FAA-to pull together and help make the "system" work for us all. Of course, its sometimes difficult to envision all parties are working on our behalf when were on a vector 180 degrees from our destination. But the reality is the system we have wouldnt work nearly as well, or at all, if we all didnt try to help each other out from time to time.
Key Takeaways:
- An air traffic controller asked a Southwest Airlines flight to visually check on a Cirrus SR22 that had lost radio contact, a cooperative effort that led to the Cirrus re-establishing communication and both aircraft landing safely.
- Despite the positive outcome, the FAA suspended the controller, citing a "loss of required separation," an action the FAA Administrator called "totally inappropriate."
- The author criticizes the FAA's "kneejerk reaction," arguing it undermines professional flexibility and cooperation, which are essential for aviation safety.
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