Wed, Sep 07, 2011
Three Controllers Featured On Video Telling Their Stories
Three air traffic employees who were directly involved in the
events of September 11, 2001 share their memories on the 10th
anniversary of that tragic day in a new video released by the
Federal Aviation Administration Tuesday.
YouTube Frame Capture
“On September 11th, FAA air traffic controllers across the
country acted quickly and decisively to help secure our nation's
aviation system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray
LaHood. "Their professionalism and courage in the wake of the
attacks was not only remarkable, it was crucial to restoring the
safety and security of our airspace."
“The men and women who control air traffic in this country
had the skill to quickly land thousands of planes,” said FAA
Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Ten years later we are still
incredibly proud of their work.”
On September 11, 2001, Michael McCormick was the Air Traffic
Manager at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center in
Ronkonkoma, NY; Terry Biggio was the Operations Manager at the
Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center in Nashua, NH; and Frank
Hatfield was the air traffic division manager at the FAA’s
Eastern Region Headquarters in Jamaica, NY. All three men still
work for the FAA.
In the video, they describe how air traffic controllers became
aware that several aircraft were being hijacked in the New York
area and what led to the unprecedented decision to shut down the
entire United States airspace. They also reflect on the last
ten years and how the national air transportation system has
changed.
“When I look back on that tragic day, I’m most proud
of how all of our air traffic controllers rose to the occasion and
did the right thing so well that it amazed the rest of the
world,” said McCormick.
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