Air traffic controller was separated; investigations are open.
The ATC of the control towers of the airports are like the traffic agents in the airways. They must provide accurate data to guide aircraft pilots to take off or land.
On the morning of January 12, 2022, something unusual happened in the control tower of Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Two crews reported something abnormal in the data issued by an ATC that morning.
One of them indicated that ATC provided erroneous instructions and requested that someone verify the health status of the Air Traffic Controller.
Minutes later, personnel from another airline reported that the flight captain requested that they find out what was happening with the tower’s ATC, since he was perceived as having a lack of articulation of words and assured that something “strange” was happening.
The Vasaviation portal, specialized in aviation matters, warned of the situation by disclosing an extract of the disconcerting dialogue that was heard from the control tower between the ATC and the crews.
There, the ATC is heard with certain difficulties in articulating words and providing certain incorrect data.
After the disclosure of this audio, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has only confirmed this Monday the situation that occurred on the morning of January 12, 2022.
The entity indicated that during the ATC work shift “it was detected that it was not providing good support from the Control Tower of Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport, presumably due to health issues that are being investigated.”
“The first report, which was acted upon immediately, was issued by a pilot of a foreign airline who notified his company in Quito. They gave notice to the DGAC Operations area who acted in accordance with the regulations; which gave way to the designation of another controller to take the shift and direct the air operations in said Control Tower”, the entity indicated.
The DAC stated that the ATC technician has been removed from his duties without prejudice to the continuation of the investigations.
“It should be noted that, once the reports were received, the authorities on duty began the regulatory investigations in a thorough, professional and rigorous manner. However, the actions have been immediate, so that the safety of air traffic operations continues to be guaranteed,” he said.
In addition, the DAC indicated that the airlines that reported the incident were contacted in order to inform them of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which allow immediate corrective measures to be taken to guarantee the safety of air operations in the country. , and apologize for the problems caused.
This newspaper asked the Quito airport for a version of what happened, but they sent the DGAC statement. A Quito airport spokesperson indicated that the DGAC has exclusive jurisdiction over air traffic control throughout the country. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
