Posted by: T210 Driver Posted on: September 26, 2008, 10:15:43 PM
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So can we write up controller errors?
It may be a bit lofty of you to feel it's your place to 'write up controllers'. In the 20+ years I've been controlling, I've NEVER met a controller who went out of his way or searched for a reason to write a pilot up. There was once a phrase used of 'Air Cop', but most of us feel it's more like we bring 'control and order ' to chaos than sit there with badges (we don't have no stinkin' badges) and whip out our ticket pad and start writing pilots up.
Honestly, if that were the case, writer's cramp would become the most used on-the-job injury on the CA-1 forms! Especially if you're talking about petty things like: didn't turn when he should have, didn't use the aircraft's standard rate of climb/descent, read back the wrong freq. read back the wrong altitude, put in the wrong code, didn't check the Oscar November button on the transponder, etc.
Yes, controllers, including myself, make mistakes. Remember though, when the driver who logs 30K miles a year and has an accident or gets a ticket, is compared to the driver who drives 3K miles a year and has a clean record, who is the better driver? Who has a greater chance of getting into an accident or getting a ticket?
Time for a little soap box rant: the FAA knows that pilots and controllers work together on a daily basis, and they usually do it very well, but times are changing. The controller workforce is being driven out in order to bring in fresh faces, happy to have a job, and willing to do that job for way less then what is being paid right now. Remember, we are REQUIRED to report pilot errors. If we don't, it becomes ammo that can be used in our termination process, 'Insubordination'. If you or anyone else wants our input, we think it is one of the stupidest things that the FAA has come out with. The majority of us, if there is no one "watching", will blow off 99% of the goofy errors made by pilots. We cut you as much slack as possible, to the extent of even sending an air carrier around when you taxi your nose past the hold short lines, and never making note of it. Part of the problem is that the FAA is sending out SO MANY STUPID THINGS, it's hard for us to focus on just one!
Feel free, however, to go ahead and write us up as often as you feel it necessary and appropriate. I'm sure that it will bring you mounds of joy and we have special spots in far away places on airports and in the air to park you so you will be able to revel in the moment and truly bask in the warmth!