Air traffic controller criticized for instructing veteran pilot on landing after Googling it

An Air Traffic Controller’s Controversial Exchange with a Veteran Pilot

In a recent incident at Denton ​Enterprise Airport in Texas, ⁤an air⁣ traffic controller named Brenda ​Mooney found herself in hot water ‍after telling a veteran pilot that she knew ‌better than him ‍about landing a plane because she “googled‍ it.” ‌The exchange, caught on recording, has sparked outrage and calls for Mooney’s removal from her position.

The Exchange:

• Mooney: Cherokee 65C, there’s traffic on the parallel.⁤ The⁤ traffic you’re following is inside Highway 380, a⁤ Cherokee on⁤ final for 18L.
• Pilot: All right, we’re looking for that traffic to follow for 65 Charlie, and if we could‌ plan on‍ the next one, if possible we could get a short approach. We’d appreciate it.
• Mooney: Cherokee 65 Charlie, I have your ⁢request. Your traffic is about a half mile ‌final now.
• Pilot: We’ve got ‘em in sight, 65 Charlie.
• Mooney: Cherokee 65 Charlie, ‍give him room, he’s ​a full stop.
• Pilot: Runway 18L, cleared the option. We’ll give him room. 65 Charlie.
• Mooney: 7 Papa Echo, turn your base. Cessna 2 Bravo Tango, 65 Charlie, you should have turned your base before you hit⁤ the approach end of the runway. You’re outside the airport traffic area.
• Pilot: We’re on⁢ about a 1/4 mile final, ma’am. I mean, sorry, base.
• Mooney: ​Yeah, I ⁣know. You should be inside the ⁢airport. You should‍ have turned your base abeam the numbers.
• Pilot: We can’t do that and land on the 1,000 footers.
• Mooney: Well, that’s what a short approach⁣ is.
• Pilot: I’m sorry, I guess I should —‚ we need to come up with something different because in order to complete a commercial ⁢checkride we gotta do what’s called a power-off 180°. We pull⁣ the power abeam where you want to touch down and have to land on that point and no more than 200‌ feet beyond ⁤it.
• Mooney: That’s fine, but don’t ask for a short approach if you’re ‍gonna⁢ do a power-off 180°. That’s my point.
• Pilot: Well, okay. I will remember that from now on. No problem.
• Mooney: When you ask ‍for a short approach, I expect you to turn your base abeam the numbers.
• Pilot: This is gonna be‌ a full stop for 65 Charlie, and maybe we need to talk⁣ about that some more because you’re the first controller in 15 years that’s ever said that.
• Mooney: I’m ​just, you know, if you ask for a short approach, a short approach is when you turn your base abeam the numbers. If I know you’re a student asking for a short approach, I know you’re out there practicing and⁣ you ​probably⁣ will extend. But if you’re doing something other than a short approach, don’t ask ‌for a short approach.
• Pilot: Well, I will definitely look up the definition of short approach because⁢ I’ve never seen where it says ⁤you turn base ‍abeam the numbers, cause I don’t see how you could⁤ possibly do ​that.
• Mooney: Well, I googled it, actually. ⁤I googled short approach and​ it said to turn your base abeam or before⁢ the numbers and you will land, probably, touch down around midfield.
• Pilot: Okay, well, then I apologize for requesting the wrong thing, because everywhere else short⁢ approach means power-off 180°, but that’s‌ definitely not what it means here.
• Mooney: Yeah, well, I ⁤mean, you know, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve worked at different airports, I don’t know. But just ask for what you ⁤need so I know what you wanna do so I can accommodate.

The incident has sparked a petition ​calling for Mooney’s removal from her position. The petition argues that her actions not only jeopardize pilot safety but also damage the ‍reputation of Denton. It has gained national attention, reflecting poorly on the community.

One commenter on the YouTube video of the incident expressed disbelief, stating, “Been flying for⁣ 25 years, 3000 hrs. Never had a controller expect a short approach to mean ‘turn base at the numbers.’ That’s absurd.”

What are⁢ the qualifications and training requirements for air traffic controllers?

E can clarify this later.

The controversial exchange between the air traffic controller, Brenda Mooney, and the ⁢veteran pilot has reignited the debate about the​ qualifications and professionalism of air traffic controllers.⁤ The incident took place during‍ a routine ⁢landing​ at Denton Enterprise Airport in Texas and was recorded by⁤ the control tower.

During the exchange,‌ Mooney, who is responsible⁢ for guiding pilots and ​ensuring‌ the safety of aircraft operations, displayed a dismissive and condescending ​attitude towards the pilot’s routine landing request. She claimed to‌ know better ⁣than the experienced pilot⁢ simply because she had “googled it.” This remark not only undermined the pilot’s ⁢expertise but also suggested a lack of respect towards the aviation industry as a whole.

The role of an air ⁣traffic controller is vital to the safe and efficient operation of air traffic. Their responsibilities include coordinating the movement of aircraft, providing pilots with‌ important information, and ensuring that air traffic flows smoothly. It is expected that air traffic controllers possess a high level of knowledge, expertise, and professionalism in carrying out their⁢ duties.

Mooney’s remark raises concerns about‌ the level⁢ of qualifications and training ‍that air traffic controllers undergo. It is essential for air traffic controllers to have ​a comprehensive understanding of aviation regulations, procedures, and protocols. Their knowledge and decision-making abilities directly impact the safety of pilots, passengers, and the general public. Dismissing a pilot’s request and claiming to have ‍superior⁣ knowledge without proper verification is not⁣ only unprofessional but also ⁢dangerous.

The incident has rightly sparked outrage and calls for Mooney’s removal from her position as an air ⁤traffic controller. The aviation community and ⁢the public trust air traffic controllers⁢ to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and competence. Any perceived breach of these standards undermines public trust and the overall credibility of‌ the profession.

The Federal ⁣Aviation Administration (FAA) should conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and ⁣take ⁢appropriate action. This may include reviewing the training and qualifications of air traffic controllers, as well as implementing stricter protocols for handling pilot requests and ensuring respectful communication between controllers⁣ and pilots.

Additionally, this incident highlights the importance of ongoing training and⁤ education​ for air ⁢traffic controllers. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and controllers must stay updated with the⁣ latest regulations and technologies. Continuous professional development programs‌ can help enhance their knowledge and skills, ensuring that they are well-prepared to ‍handle any situation that arises.

Air traffic control is a critical aspect of aviation safety. The⁤ professionalism and competence of air traffic controllers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of ⁢the industry and‍ ensuring the safety of all those involved. ⁣Incidents like the one at Denton Enterprise Airport should serve as ⁣wake-up calls for the aviation industry, urging authorities to prioritize the highest‍ standards of training, professionalism, and respect in their selection and ongoing evaluation of air ‍traffic⁢ controllers.

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