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:
- The aviation community generally cooperates to ensure the system works, with members helping each other out.
- An air traffic controller directed a Southwest Airlines 737 to check on a Cirrus SR22 that had lost radio contact; the 737 located the Cirrus, which subsequently re-established communication.
- Despite the successful resolution, the FAA suspended the controller for an alleged "loss of required separation," a decision the author criticizes as a "knee-jerk reaction" that undermines essential cooperation and won't enhance safety.
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