COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — “An accident waiting to happen,” and “a deadly crash is inevitable” — just two of the recent dire warnings from burned-out air traffic controllers. And now, during what’s been one of the most turbulent years for commercial air travel, the Federal Aviation Administration canceled big plans for the Colorado Springs Airport following questions from KRDO13 Investigates, and a former air traffic controller is giving rare insight into a “crisis” that’s on the verge of tipping U.S. air travel into dangerous territory.
KRDO13’s Josh Helmuth recently sat down with Christopher Hastings, a former certified air traffic controller who quit his job at the Pueblo Tower last year after nearly a decade in the industry. One big question during the interview – is it safe to fly right now?
“It’s safe to fly,” said Hastings after a brief pause. “But I would say the system is strained.”…