Safety is job one in air traffic control

From the NATCA safety manual:

"Safety is the center of an air traffic controller’s universe and dictates everything a controller does. It is an unyielding taskmaster that allows for few mistakes, requires total loyalty, and comes fully equipped with demands that must be met. An air traffic controller who cannot meet these requisites does not remain an air traffic controller for very long.

Controllers, as well as other NATCA members responsible for other aspects of the National Airspace System, have made an absolute pledge to safety. In a world where there are often no clear-cut answers and where principles are often diluted, adherence to safety must remain uncorrupted and unconditional. Members of the American flying public believe that truism each and every time they board an airplane. They trust that, as far as safety is concerned, there will be no compromises and no second measures.

Many members voted for NATCA representation because they were convinced that “one voice” in Washington, D.C., was the best way to convey concerns about aviation safety to the public and was the best way to effect prompt and positive action on those concerns. That is the impetus behind the existence of the National Safety Committee, as well as the overall NATCA Safety and Technology program.

The NATCA 1988 National Convention in Atlanta mandated that the Safety Committee be established as a standing committee to provide continuity and expertise to the NATCA safety infrastructure. NATCA’s Safety Committee meets regularly to assess the air traffic control system’s safety and performance and will respond to the vital issues facing controllers and the flying public. It is made up of one representative from each of the nine NATCA regions, plus an Engineers/Architects representative and a Pilot/Controller Liaison. It examines the problems that have both a direct and indirect impact on the safety of the air traffic control system, and develops and evaluates solutions in response to these problems."

As you can see from reading this, controllers are serious about safety. This is doubly true at Newark Airport. Everyday our controllers make their best efforts to keep you and your families moving safely and quickly to your destinations.

Sometimes, we have to work around the obstacles that FAA puts in our path. It could be bad procedures, it might be horrendous management or it might even be inadequate staffing. We still get it done.

But the system isn't foolproof. Those obstacles to safety may catch up to us one day. That's why we are working hard to fix the flaws that can potentially cause a catastrophe.

At the National level, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association holds a yearly safety conference called Communicating For Safety. This conference is well attended by people from all facets of the aviation community. It's an excellent forum for discussing problems with the system and generating solutions.

I've attended for the past few years and I am always impressed by the quality of the speakers and presentations. I'm going again this year. CFS 2011 is being held at the Rio All-Suites Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 21-23. Here's a link to the CFS site: www.natcacfs.org .

Sponsorships are still available. Please check it out.