Episode 22: Remembering September 11, 2001: Canadian perspectives - Rob, Shelley, Bert
Sep 12, 2023
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Canadian air traffic controllers discuss their experiences on September 11, 2001, including a military controller in New York, a civilian controller in Gander managing stranded passengers, and a NORAD detachment in Inuvik. They share stories about heightened security measures, community support, personal impact, and reflections on the short-term impact and career perspectives after the 9/11 attacks.
Air traffic controllers on September 11, 2001, had to manage a significant increase in air traffic, bypassing traditional procedures and relying on verbal communication to ensure safe landings.
Three air traffic controllers shared their personal experiences of September 11, highlighting the rapid changes in doctrine, emotional impact, chaos, and ad hoc measures taken to manage the crisis.
Local communities, like Gander in Newfoundland, showed overwhelming support to air traffic controllers during the aftermath of 9/11, highlighting the unity and goodwill that emerged.
Deep dives
Impact of 9/11 on Air Traffic Control Operations
On September 11, 2001, the air traffic control operations experienced a sudden and chaotic shift due to the closure of US airspace and the need for all planes to land immediately. Controllers had to manage a significant increase in air traffic, coordinating with towers and airports to handle incoming flights and ensure safe landings. With limited time, traditional procedures were bypassed, and verbal communication became essential to quickly pass information. Additional sectors were opened, including a fuel dumping sector, to efficiently manage the influx of planes. The situation was inherently challenging, as many pilots preferred Gander Airport due to its international status and familiarity. Controllers had to consider factors such as fuel levels, redirecting planes to available airports, and adapting to unconventional strip formats. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, they worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and efficient handling of flights.
Personal Experiences of Air Traffic Controllers on 9/11
Three retired air traffic controllers, Rob Hogarth, Shelley Coulter, and Bert Petal, shared their personal experiences of September 11, 2001. Rob, an air weapons controller, described the surreal atmosphere at the base on that day and the subsequent rapid changes in doctrine and rules of engagement. Shelley, an air weapons controller and air traffic controller, discussed her anger and the emotional impact of the attacks. She also highlighted the valuable lessons learned from the decisions made during the crisis. Bert, who was the approach controller at Gander Terminal, talked about the chaos and increased workload as planes had to enter low-level airspace. He described the ad hoc measures taken, such as coordinating with towers and airports, and managing fuel dumping. The shared experiences of these controllers underscored the resilience, adaptability, and camaraderie displayed during this extraordinary event.
Community Support and Impact of 9/11
In addition to the intense work environment, air traffic controllers also experienced strong support from their local communities. In Gander, Newfoundland, Bert Petal mentioned the overwhelming response of the hospitality community, which provided food to sustain the controllers while they worked long shifts. The community came together to alleviate any extra stresses on the controllers' families, ensuring their kids were taken care of. This exceptional support highlighted the unity and goodwill that emerged during the aftermath of 9/11.
Experiencing a Passion for Flying
The speaker recalls two early experiences with flying, sitting in their father's lap in a plane and being lifted by a load master in a helicopter. These experiences planted a seed for a potential career in aviation.
The Impact of 9/11
The speaker, who worked as an air weapons controller, recounts their experiences on 9/11. Initially involved in monitoring Russian aircraft, they were alerted to the attacks on the World Trade Center and immediately realized the significance of the event. The speaker and their team quickly transitioned into emergency operations, coordinating the grounding of civilian aircraft, scrambling CF-18s to intercept potential threats, and adapting to DEF CON3 readiness levels. The community of Gander played a crucial role in accommodating stranded passengers, doubling the town's population. Despite the extraordinary circumstances, the air traffic controllers remained calm and successfully guided an unprecedented number of aircraft to safe landings.
This week on The Pilot Project Podcast, we’ll explore the events surrounding September 11 as viewed through the eyes of three air traffic controllers who were on duty on or following that day. Each provides a unique perspective.
What was it like for a Canadian military controller working in New York at the time? What about a civilian controller working in Gander, a town of 9000 that took on 6000 stranded passengers? How did an isolated NORAD detachment in Inuvik respond to the changing situation?
We will hear these stories and more in this week’s episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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