Phillip Bump’s column (“Trump’s air-crash response shows how deep he sits in the right-wing bubble,” Feb. 2) gave interesting perspectives on the qualifications of air traffic controllers. He particularly addressed the right-wing claims that “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) has been eroding the standards of these specialists. (“We must have the best and the brightest,” as if DEI precludes that.)
Bump missed a crucial point, however: The standards for becoming an air traffic controller are extremely demanding, both physically and mentally –– and are exempted from DEI. The FAA’s website lists the requirements for this job. Initial requirements include tests of the applicant’s education, general experience and aptitudes.
If an applicant passes these general tests, they are subjected to a rigorous physical exam –– such as perfect vision without glasses, perfect hearing, no physical deformity, no chronic disease, able to stand or sit for long periods, no mental or psychological disorder.
And if they get past those exams, they take several years of training, followed by several years of on-the-job training in ATC facilities. Finally they may be qualified for certification as an air traffic controller.
Only 10% of applicants even get past the initial tests, let alone the physical exams and job training. They are “the best and the brightest.”
The terrible midair collision may have been due to errors by the pilots or staffing orders in the control towers; the controllers’ qualifications will be examined too, but it seems irresponsible to blame them alone.
— Vivian Mendenhall, Anchorage
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