Before we get into today’s current critical shortage and safety concerns. March 5, 2020, the beginning of shutdown and lockdowns due to the coronavirus. Yes, the coronavirus and covid 19 was real. It was not a conspiracy, it was the real thing for those who think otherwise.
The only important thing that came about shelter in place of March 2020 was that many flights and aircraft were grounded. The skies were light with a fraction of commercial flights. That was the time when our skies were safe and staffing of airspace was manageable.
The FAA remains underfunded. As founder of Fire and Aviation TV a visit to Washington DC on a very cold day January 6th, 2021. A visit to the FAA building with a formal complaint, and comments regarding the need for increased funding are necessary. A need for upgrades and increase staffing. We also left that day rapidly for one’s safety!
Now after one disaster killing many people after another in the short time already in first two months of 2025. It takes that to now, we get your attention!! Still though Elon Musk and his D.O.G.E. cutbacks affect the F.A.A. The best way to improve now is more funding bring to those that recently retired back to work. They have many years of experience and can explain what needs to be implemented. Ask for their advice on upgrading the systems.
Bringing in19- to 25-year-old D.O.G.E. employees without even life experience let alone any years of experience in F.A.A is not the answer. Even as the founder of Fire and Aviation TV from working at airports in operations as a shift manager and safety manager. To proudly serving and protecting others in the fire service for almost two decades. Bringing in Starlink or Tesla employees is not the answer!
No matter what, this should have been done back in 2020 at the latest. If not at least started upgrading since 2015 not think about it in 2025. Safety is paramount as it has been said a million times. Even a recent letter sent late in 2024 can’t seem to be replied so I ask what does it take?
Verizon’s technology is too cumbersome and overpriced, needing replacement. The core airspace systems, radars and technology need to be more advanced but are not. Many procedures are similar or the same as they were back on September 11 2001. Verizon is the only updated versions from earlier days added for which is not the greatest decision. Understand one thing, this is not going to be easy or a overnight fix. Firstly, it is essential to increase staffing levels, as some airports currently operate with a shortfall exceeding fifty percent compared to standard staffing practices. That must be done immediately.
Source Fire and Aviation TV 03/04/25