Disaster area ATC....Thank you.

[tommacklin]

Ladies and Gentlemen of the disaster area,

I would like to thank you all on behalf of the helicopter pilots (and aeroplane pilots) who have been involved in the operation so far.

I have been in the area since the outset and have seen/heard the confusion caused by the lack of comms/control, and I am very impressed with what you have achieved with so little.

I hear the exaspiration in your voices in the non-stop air traffic communications and it amazes me that none of you have snapped. Baton Rouge Approach, a few days ago, is the busiest I have ever heard in my 25 years as a pilot, and the contoller just got on with it.

Poor comms is something that just has to be dealt with and in the environment in which we both work, poor comms brings incredible frustration. I have not heard anything other than professional assistance in this past 12 days, and for that, I am very grateful.

Thank you all, you have done an incredible job.

N928LA/FEMA 28

[roger]

Thank you all, you have done an incredible job

I'm sure your thanks is kindly recieved, but we should be saying this to you:cool:

Keep up the good work :ok:

[Scott Voigt]

Tom;

thanks for the kind words, I will pass this on to a site where all the controllers who are working those areas will be able to see it.

regards

Scott H. Voigt
NATCA Southwest Region
Safety and Technology Chairman

[RoyHudd]

Sounds like your usual "Can-Do" attitude is prevailing. Most of us Europeans are with you, despite the nonsense published and broadcast in our left-wing media.

Good luck in your efforts. Looking forward to visiting New Orleans again before long.

[West Coast]

Scott

Is the FAA sending troops in to the affected areas to supplement, ala Oshkosh or is it all organic?

[vector4fun]

West Coast,

FAA solicited volunteers for MSY who had previous experience in the facility/area. We sent a Supervisor with same over for a month. I think they have around 8-10 controllers from other facilities there now. Last I heard, they're still sleeping on cots in the facility and taking meals on the ramp from a portable kitchen set-up. Some of the NEW controllers, (who have no place to work for some time) are also helping out.