Federal Aviation Administration

After 35 years in the cockpit, I’ve flown through bluebird skies, storm systems, jammed airspace, and quiet country airstrips. But the one constant? The calm, confident voices guiding me from the ground—air traffic controllers.

These folks are aviation’s unsung heroes. Cool under pressure. Sharp as they come. They juggle aircraft across crowded skies while sounding like they’re hosting a garden party. As a pilot, I can’t overstate how many times they’ve helped turn a tense situation into a smooth landing. I trust them with my life. Literally.

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But lately, the system that supports them is under siege.

A System Stretched Thin

The FAA is facing a severe staffing shortage—about 3,500 controllers short of where we need to be. Facilities across the country are operating below safe staffing levels. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Delays are piling up. Controllers are working grueling schedules. Some are burning out. Recently, a veteran controller near Newark took trauma leave after a close call—citing chronic understaffing and unreliable equipment.

And the technology? Antiquated. Some parts of the system are so old they’re no longer available—even on eBay. Communication outages at facilities like Denver are no longer rare—they’re warnings.

Then Came the Cuts

As if that weren’t enough, the Trump administration earlier this year fired nearly 400 FAA employees. Most were probationary hires—not controllers, but essential support staff: safety assistants, maintenance techs, aviation mechanics. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union warned that these cuts will compound operational stress. When your system’s already straining, chopping out support roles is like firing the pit crew during a race.

It was part of a broader push to shrink the federal workforce under the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Their motto might as well have been “do less with less.”

Sure, the administration also talked about modernizing the system—automation, privatization, shiny new tech. But what good is a shiny system if you fire the people who keep it running?

Let’s Get Real

Air traffic control isn’t a luxury. It’s the circulatory system of modern aviation. Without it, we don’t just have delays—we have disasters. We can’t run a safe national airspace on goodwill and caffeine alone. These people need support, not speeches. Investment, not pink slips.

So here’s my thank-you to the men and women behind those steady voices. You’ve saved my bacon more than once. You do your job with grace, grit, and almost no public recognition.

One Cold Night Over the Canyon

One dark, cold night, I was flying my own plane toward the Grand Canyon. The heater had failed, and I was sitting on my feet to keep warm. I pulled out the approach plate for the Grand Canyon airport and felt my stomach drop. The runway was far too short—and I didn’t have enough fuel to divert anywhere else.

Panic edged in. I sat for a moment, breathing, trying not to let it take over. Then I called ATC and explained the situation. The controller paused—then calmly told me to turn the page.

Turns out, I was looking at the wrong Grand Canyon airport. There was another one—long enough, lit, and directly ahead. No drama. No lecture. Just one quiet voice, saving my life without ever raising his.

Give Them What They Need

That’s the kind of person we rely on every day. Not flashy. Not political. Just damn good at their job.

If this resonates with you—whether you’re a pilot, a frequent flyer, or just someone who values calm competence in a chaotic world—feel free to share, comment, or subscribe. I’d love to hear your thoughts. It gets a little lonely out here, and good company is always welcome.

Thanks for reading Burnt Ground! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.