Oakland, San Jose Air Traffic Controllers to Voice Concerns About FAA Commitment to Safety
Posted on: Thursday, 20 October 2005, 12:00 CDT
News Advisory:
Representatives of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) from the Western Pacific Region and the control towers at Oakland and San Jose Airport will hold a press conference at Oakland International Airport today, Thursday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. PDT to comment on recent developments locally that point to the Federal Aviation Administration's mismanagement of the system that has resulted in an erosion of the margin of safety in the skies over the Bay Area.
As part of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association's "Fly Us Safe Campaign" -- a television, Internet and press effort ( http://www.flyussafe.org ) -- NATCA representatives who also work as local air traffic controllers will outline how serious failures to modernize and staff facilities are having an effect on safety.
Both Oakland and San Jose airports were slated to receive an ultra-modern airport surface radar system, but the FAA has decided to scrap that plan. This system would have improved controllers' management of the runways and taxiways by allowing them to see all airport movements in all weather conditions and at night and help prevent what industry experts predict will be the next serious aviation accident. Unfortunately, Oakland and San Jose are not the only ones --there are 13 other facilities with a similar problem imposed by the FAA, including three in California.
In addition, air traffic is increasing to record levels, but already there are 1,000 fewer controllers than there were just two years ago. According to NATCA, the FAA has failed to address the problem and local NATCA officials will provide an update on their staffing levels.
WHAT: Press conference to discuss the FAA's failure to modernize and staff facilities in Oakland and San Jose and its impact on the flying public.
WHO: Robert Marks, Western Pacific Regional vice president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association; Mark Sherry, assistant RVP for NATCA; Ellise Streed, assistant facility representative for San Jose control tower chapter of NATCA; Les Scott, assistant facility representative for Oakland control tower chapter of NATCA.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. PDT.
WHERE: Oakland International Airport, just north of Terminal 1; right side, on the sidewalk. With questions, please call Mark Sherry at 925-788-8923.
http://www.usnewswire.com
Source: U.S. Newswire
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