US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there was a "consolidation of air traffic controllers an hour before it was supposed to happen".

Summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic control staffing was “not normal” during the Washington, DC, mid-air collision that killed 67 people.

A government report found Reagan National Airport’s tower was understaffed, with one controller handling both planes and helicopters.

Investigators are examining factors including airspace procedures and the Black Hawk helicopter’s low altitude.

The crash highlights chronic FAA staffing shortages, with over 90% of facilities below recommended levels.

  • PhilipTheBucket@ponder.cat
    351·
    15 hours ago

    ATC staffing is at “not normal” levels quite a lot of the time. For as much money as this country has, and how “life-and-death times several hundred” important it is, it’s a sign of a very profound type of dysfunction that’s been going on for as long as it has. Simply put, the problem is that no one with the ability to fix it gives a shit.

    • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
      15·
      14 hours ago

      Much like another critical life-or-death field, healthcare, understaffing is normal and accepted.