Sep 11th US Airspace Closure

[ghost-rider]

Does anyone know of any internet accounts or websites from ATC-ers or crews about the chaos and confusion in the air when the FAA closed US airspace ?. .. .I remember hearing about photos of Halifax with loads of diverted jets on the tarmac etc. . .. .There were stories of UK ATC-ers coming in on days-off to assist with the transatlantic turn-backs etc.. .. .It would make interesting reading to hear all the stories of crews and controllers alike, specifically how the US ATC system held up in what must have been horrendous circumstances.. .. .Has any of this info been collated does anyone know ?. .. .Thanks,

[ATC Watcher]

Look at the last "THE CONTROLLER" magazine (4/02). .it has quite a few very good articles on 11 Sept and what effect it had in Gander, New York Centre, Boston Center, etc.. and the photos of Halifax and the Air Situation display over the US before and after the event are also there. Quite dramatic.

[ghost-rider]

Thanks for the info ATC Watcher.. .. .Is there an online version ? If not, would some kind soul be able to send me a copy if I promise to reimburse them postage etc ?. .. .Thanks, Ade.

[ATC Watcher]

I do not think there is an on-line version ; but check anyway on .www.ifatca.org.. .To get a copy of 4/02 ask the Editor Chris Stock, also in the UK, ( his e-mail : [email protected] ). .If all this does not work contact me and I will try to arrange you a copy.

[ghost-rider]

Watcher,. .. .Many thanks for that. Am contacting said bloke right now.. .. .Will take you up on your kind offer if no joy.. .. .Brgds Ade

[no sig]

Let me know how you get on with your search Ghost, try the IFALDA .org website, I'm sure some of the dispatchers might also have something to contribute about that day.

[Scott Voigt]

If all that doesn't work, go to NATCA.net and send some e-mail to our folks in the communications department, they may be able to help or steer you in the right direction.... .. .regards

[ghost-rider]

no-sig & Scott, willdo. Thanks. . .. .Watcher, I had an email from Chris Stock offering to send me the relevent copy. Thanks again.

[ATC Watcher]

You're welcome.. . While you are at it, read the Boston Centre CISM ( critical Incident stress management) article on this issue .One of the best article I've come up to recently.. .Are we sure we are all prepared with the psychological effect on a crash ?

[ghost-rider]

Willdo. . .. .Still awaiting it through the post ! Just hope my postman isn't one of the 15000 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> sacked today by the UK postal service !!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" />

[NATS_Not_Funny]

Watched a program called Understanding Air Traffic Control last night. There was a bit on Sept 11th and how it was handled. It's repeated on Discovery on 31st March at 18:00 (NTL cable)

[WetFeet]

In fairness to others that helped out at Shanwick on 9/11, in addition to the three that came in from home (one of which had been on a morning shift and just got home but hadn't worked the boards so CRATCOH didn't apply), help was also provided by validated ATCO's and ATSA's from the training section and other departments.

As for CRATCOH, the situation Shanwick was faced with was unprecedented and as any breach of CRATCOH was at the most 30minutes shows the professionalism and organisation of the staff was outstanding.

Thanks also to all the surrounding stations, especially Ballygirreen radio station, who also did an outstanding job in an extremely difficult situation.

:rolleyes:

[cormacshaw]

The following pictures will give you a good idea of how hetic things got at Gander Airport in Newfoundland.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=191694
http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=191693
http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=191692
http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=191691

Check out the yellow school buses (presumably to transport the stranded passnegers to accommodation) in the last picture - they nearly outnumber the planes. I was surprised to see several USAF transport jets among the grounded aircraft, I would have thought that they were immune to the airspace closures. then again I guess everyone was just playing safe as I presume the F15 jockeys were instructed to shoot first and asked questions later in the immediate aftermath.

The Irish Aviation Authority website has two accounts of the events of 9/11 and how Shanwick coped with the mid-Atlantic turnbacks at the following links:
http://www.iaa.ie/SecondaryNavigation/News/shownews_p.asp?NewsID=327
http://www.iaa.ie/SecondaryNavigation/News/shownews_p.asp?NewsID=329