Summary
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic control staffing was “not normal” during the Washington, DC, mid-air collision that killed 67 people.
A government report found Reagan National Airport’s tower was understaffed, with one controller handling both planes and helicopters.
Investigators are examining factors including airspace procedures and the Black Hawk helicopter’s low altitude.
The crash highlights chronic FAA staffing shortages, with over 90% of facilities below recommended levels.
These workers need to be paid more for the very stressful and undesirable job they do.
Many of them are actually pretty passionate about their work so unfortunately they will always be exploited because capitalism punishes people who do something they care about or otherwise enjoy.
Teachers, nurses, etc. Passion professions get fucked regularly.