Washington, DC, plane crash thrusts high-stakes role of air traffic control into the spotlight
Briefly

The collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter in Washington, DC, has sparked concerns regarding air traffic control (ATC) operations due to staff shortages. Investigators are examining the communication protocols between military and civilian pilots, highlighted by the input from Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Black Hawk pilot. She noted that military aircraft typically do not communicate directly with commercial pilots, relying instead on ATC. Importantly, data revealed that the helicopter was aware of the American flight, raising questions about situational awareness and the effectiveness of ATC communications in high-density airspace.
The crash of an American Airlines flight in Washington, DC, has renewed anxiety about air-traffic control staffing and procedures at US airports, especially in crowded airspaces.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an ex-Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot, told reporters that military aircraft usually do not talk directly to commercial pilots, as ATC is the responsible intermediary.
Read at Business Insider
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