Jim Peters Suggested Unhappy Controllers Find Work Elsewhere

The latest salvo fired at the FAA by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association deals with new, highly-controversial "fan-out" departure routes from Philadelphia International Airport.

Responding to NATCA complaints that controllers' concerns over the safety of the new procedures were not considered, FAA Spokesman Jim Peters is quoted by the Delaware County Daily Times as responding, "If any controller at the Philadelphia Airport believes that these procedures are unsafe, they should look for work elsewhere."

NATCA President Patrick Forrey responded by calling the comments "the height of arrogance from an out-of-control agency that is now trying to stifle whistleblowers, intimidate union members, and discredit controllers' commitment to safety."

On Monday, NATCA's outrage was shared by two US Congressmen -- Democrats Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania, and Robert Andrews of New Jersey.

"The recent remarks attributed to Jim Peters demonstrate once again that the FAA is a rogue agency," said Sestak, a retired admiral. "The idea that professionals who have concerns about safety should 'find another line of work' is an outrage. Everywhere in our society—from the military to hospitals to mines to food processing facilities—responsible organizations emphasize safety first and reward professional employees who identify safety deficiencies."

The US Airways chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association has been critical of the new practice of publishing a 255-degree departure heading, then assigning pilots a different heading just before takeoff.

The entry into the fray by the two congressmen might be a sign of genuine concern, or a reflection of their need to find issues which push the public's buttons in a year when both are up for reelection.

Aero-News has requested interviews with both the ALPA and the reporter who quoted Peters in her newspaper article. If either consent to an interview, you'll hear it on an upcoming Aero News Special Feature.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.natca.org, www.alpa.org