As you have probably heard, an air traffic controller’s job can be stressful at times.  As the volume of traffic increases and the complexity of certain configurations gets more challenging, stress levels can be subdued, but noticeably present.  Throw an emergency in the mix and plan A, B, and C can quickly turn into plan L, M, and N. 

I saw this video presentation of an in-flight emergency on Chicago Terminal Radar Approach CONtrols (TRACON)’s website, thetracon.com.  It shows the calmness of a veteran controller and his ability to get the job done without panic and passing any further anxiety onto the pilot.  It was apparent on this particular day, the pilot of Eagle Flight 230 departing O’Hare International Airport had his work cut out for him.

If you have never seen a radar controller in action, click here to download and “SAVE” the zip file to your computer.  It’s interesting to see and hear the coordination with other controllers and to watch other aircraft being vectored away from possible trouble.

I won’t ruin the end for you…but the controller did a great job!