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Mid-Air Collision at Washington DC – Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

The recent mid-air collision at Reagan National Airport has understandably caused concern, but the level of public alarm and media sensationalism is an overreaction. While any aviation incident warrants investigation, the reality is that flying remains the safest form of transportation.

Every day, thousands of people place their trust in hospitals, where surgical errors and medical malpractice claim far more lives than aviation accidents. Yet, we don’t call for the shutdown of operating rooms or question the entire healthcare system when mistakes occur. Instead, we focus on improving protocols and ensuring better training for medical professionals. The same principle should apply to aviation.

Air travel is meticulously regulated, and every incident is scrutinized to prevent future occurrences. The rare nature of such accidents is, in fact, a testament to the effectiveness of the aviation safety system. The last time there was a midair collision in the USA involving an airliner was 35 years ago. Instead of succumbing to fear, we should recognize that flying remains one of the safest activities we engage in, far safer than driving a car or even walking across a busy street.

Let’s keep perspective. One isolated accident does not make the skies unsafe any more than a medical mistake makes hospitals unnecessary. We should trust in the systems that have made air travel incredibly reliable rather than reacting as though one event defines an entire industry.

Sincerely,

Clinton Matheny

Retired FAA Air Traffic Controller / Private Pilot

PS: My son is an FAA air traffic controller. From his recent Facebook post: “It pains me to see the media and people I know saying that my profession isn’t as great as it can be due to DEl hiring policies. I can honestly say that l’ve sat next to the best of the best. Aptitude tests, psych evals, security background checks, and more. That’s just the beginning to get yourself in the door. After that it’s training, training,”

 

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