Ten Years Later: Air Traffic Controllers Remember 9/11

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, three air traffic controllers share how they became aware that several aircraft were being hijacked in the New York area and what led to the Federal Aviation Administration's unprecedented decision to shut down the entire United States airspace.

[@PikalaxALT]

Prior to watching this video, I watched a BBC documentary from 9/11/2002 about the experiences of the air traffic controllers directly involved in the unfolding crisis, the men and women who watched these planes go NORDO and then disappear from radar. The fact that they maintained their cool until every civilian aircraft was on the ground and their job was done, shows immense courage and dedication to American security the likes of which I can never achieve personally. Thank you, controllers.

[@phildan89]

Air traffic controllers=the unsung heros or 9/11

[@GerryFlood1938]

As an ex Air Force ATC (GCA & Tower) 50 years ago, I can appreciate the FAA controller's professionalism and frustration. I still support controller's as a member of NADCA.

[@AlexSky7700]

Unreal, incredible, and speechless action of their outstanding performance and professionalism while under attack. They change the ATC System to w new level. God bless.

[@onecent50]

What did they do? Didn't save any lives ?- - Yes they probable did, by stopping any other aircraft that were going to do the same thing - and yes they were out there!
They put every aircraft in the sky, on the ground right now-THAT was a major act that had never been done and was done in a amazing short time. Thousand of flights were sat down where they were in the sky.

[@MrMwhite83]

@stealthj10780 They were controllers 10 years ago.....

[@stealthj10780]

None of these guys are controllers there all management...