Michael McCormick

Michael McCormick, a former air traffic control operations manager at the FAA and associate professor at Embry-Riddle, sheds light on the recent radar failures at Newark Airport. He discusses how air traffic controllers monitor and manage airspace, especially during system outages. McCormick also highlights staffing shortages and the potential role of AI in air traffic management. Additionally, he shares gripping insights from his experience on 9/11, revealing the intense challenges faced by controllers during crises.

Michael McCormick, a former New York air traffic controller who now teaches aviation safety, breaks down a runway collision. He walks through the sequence of events, tower communication and alarm systems. He flags staffing and radio-configuration questions and considers whether pilots or crews could have seen or heard warnings. The conversation stays focused on what investigators will examine.

Sean Bell, a former Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal and Sky's military analyst, teams up with Michael McCormick, a professor of Air Traffic Management and former FAA employee. They dive into the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter, exploring air traffic control regulations and protocols in busy airspace. The discussion highlights the challenges of pilot situational awareness and the emotional aftermath affecting the aviation community. Insights into safety measures aim to prevent future tragedies.