The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has produced a video featuring air traffic controllers involved in the events related to September 11, 2001. Three controllers detail their experience related the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to shut down United States airspace on that day.
Terry Biggio, Air Traffic Operations Manager, Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center:
“There was no playbook. We were reacting to try to make our best guess estimates as to how we’re going to react to each and every individual flight that was out there.”
Mike McCormick, Air Traffic Controller, New York Air Route Traffic Control Center:
“This is it. This is the only way we can protect our country, this is what we’re going to do, and we’re going to move forward from here.”
Video:
