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At the end of April, air traffic control radar surveillance and radio communication systems at Newark Liberty International Airport went dark for over a minute. A week and half later, radar went down again briefly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since cut down the number of flights in and out of Newark. But, how does our air traffic control system work? How do air traffic controllers keep track of all of the planes in the sky? And what happens when systems fail?
Michael McCormick, a former air traffic control operations manager at the FAA joins Host Flora Lichtman to dive into the science of air traffic control.
Further Reading
- Find coverage of the extension of Newark flight limits into June via AP.
- Read more about air traffic controller shortages and training via The Conversation.
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Segment Guests
Michael McCormick
Dr. Michael McCormick is a former vice president of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, and an associate professor and program coordinator of Air Traffic Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.