Air Traffic Controller Negligence

Without the diligence of air traffic controllers, airline pilots would be basically blind in the sky, and not able to divert from a number of hazards.

Air traffic controllers notify pilots when hazards are present, control flight routes, respond to emergencies with decisive solutions, and prevent mid air collisions.

While they have the responsibility for millions of people to travel safely, the slightest in error on behalf of any air traffic controller can prove to be chaotic and disastrous not only in the skies, but on the ground as well.

Is crucial, for this reason, that each air traffic controller is trained properly and certified; he or she should be able to be attentive and alert.

Normally a result of overtime and extended shifts, the primary cause of an error with an air controller is fatigue.

As opposed to hiring and training more controllers, airports operate with smaller crews, which can be a risk for individuals who depend on the controllers to arrive at destinations safely.

A loss of concentration can be a result of tiredness, poor decision-making, and slow response time.


A number of air traffic controllers, yet, are forced to work continuous shifts with rest in between of only 9 to 10 hours.

This is hardly acceptable considering how many lives are dependent on the ability of controllers to administer their duties.

Naturally, this can result in air traffic controller negligence.

Smaller aircraft pilots do not have access to similar equipment as commercial airline pilots do; thus, they must rely on providing information to them by air traffic controllers to make adjustments and navigate in order for the avoidance of turbulence and various hazards.

The following types of errors made by air traffic controllers include incidents, such as:

Many small aircraft are considered craft that’s only visual because they do not use designated routes or instruments to make a determination of flight paths.

It is usually the case that the controller will not offer a warning to these aircraft when a warning can be preventable because of air traffic controller negligence. The usual excuse is that these warnings are only owed to aircraft flying via instruments.


Conditions of weather can make it a challenge to manage and track a number of planes when the airways become congested.

Air controllers, in addition to managing a number of flight routes, must consider the impact weather has on every aircraft and make certain its flight can travel safely.

Air traffic controllers, on occasion, can mismanage air traffic to cause an accident.

Fatigue becomes an increasing concern among air traffic controllers and aviators, who become more weary in recent years than in previous times.

Individuals who become too tired to maintain focus and react promptly to increasingly changing conditions in the sky should not be on duty so they can get the required rest to return to their duties attentive and alert to the needs of individuals who depend on them.

You may be entitled to recover damages if it is discovered that the accident was the result of air traffic controller negligence on behalf of an air traffic controller, pilot or mechanic’s failure to administer properly his or her duties.

Contact us for a free consultation or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC, at: 603.548.3797.