Smart Girl Dumb Questions Is It Safe to Fly Right Now? with Kate Kelly
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May 30, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Kate Kelly, an investigative journalist from The New York Times focused on airline safety, tackles pressing questions about current aviation risks. She shares insights on whether flying is truly becoming more dangerous or if we're just more aware. Topics include the implications of recent air traffic control outages, the blame on political figures, and the mechanics of cockpit communication. Kate also discusses the challenges of staffing shortages and outdated technology in ensuring our safety while flying.
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Kate Kelly's Changed Travel Habits
- Kate Kelly avoids flying into Reagan National at night and Newark airport due to recent crashes and equipment outages.
- Her travel habits changed because of these safety concerns and staffing shortages.
Staffing & Equipment Key to Safety
- Chronic staffing shortages and outdated equipment are central to airline safety problems.
- The pandemic worsened controller training delays, worsening the shortage just as travel demand surged.
Old Tech & Slow Modernization
- U.S. air traffic control systems are very old and underfunded, contributing to recent failures.
- Bringing in modern technology takes years due to complex procurement and political factors.