Latest news with #MichaelMcCormick
CNN
7 days ago
- General
- CNN
A private company runs the control tower where a B-52 got too close to a passenger jet. It is more common than you might think
The control tower where a Delta Air Lines regional jet had to perform an 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid colliding with an Air Force B-52 bomber isn't staffed by the Federal Aviation Administration, but rather air traffic controllers working for a private company. It's more common than most fliers may think. About half of the control towers at civilian airports in the US are operated under contract by private companies, according to the FAA. Most are at smaller airports, like Minot International. On Friday, the B-52 bomber was conducting a flyover at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, near the Minot airport that, 'was planned in advance and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration,' according to a statement from Minot Air Force Base. 'The tower did not advise of the inbound commercial aircraft,' the statement said. The passenger plane wasn't told about the bomber either, according to a video filmed inside the plane by a passenger and posted on TikTok. The pilot of the Delta jet, operated by regional carrier SkyWest Airlines, can be heard telling passengers that the aircraft was 'kind of, sort of coming at us' and it was safest to turn sharply to pass behind it. SkyWest, the FAA, and the military are all investigating what went wrong. The Minot International Control Tower is operated by Midwest ATC, which declined to comment to CNN. It operates 93 towers in the United States and handles more than eight million passengers a year. The company is a long-term provider of contract tower services, according to Michael McCormick, an associate professor and program coordinator of air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Despite these towers not being operated by the FAA, McCormick said there's no reason to believe they are not safe. 'In fact, the contract controllers at these towers are all former FAA or US military air traffic controllers,' he said. An audit, conducted in 2020 by the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, found that contract towers are more cost effective than comparable FAA towers and have similar safety records. The FAA notes, 'all of the approximate 1,400 contract controllers meet the same qualification and training requirements as FAA air traffic controllers.' The Minot Tower is also one of the 171 federal contract towers represented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the major air traffic controller union, who also represents FAA controllers. Some contracted towers are located at small airports in Albany, Georgia; Brownsville, Texas; and Key West, Florida. In cities with major airports, contracted towers operate at smaller fields like Houston Executive, Detroit City and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. The FAA's Contract Tower Program started in 1982 to allow employees of private companies to staff towers, rather than FAA employees. McCormick said it was a result of the 1981 air traffic controllers' strike when 12,000 members walked off the job. After a shortage plagued the industry, low activity towers were at risk of being shut down to provide staffing at busier towers, he explained. 'That is when they came up with the Contract Tower Program where they would actually provide opportunity for contractors to take over those initial control towers that they were going to shut down,' McCormick said. Since then, he said, the program has grown. Generally, McCormick said, the towers are usually not equipped with radar displays. Controllers primarily rely on position reports from the aircraft and looking out the windows. While investigators have not made public what caused the close call in Minot, McCormick said the communication with the two planes doesn't appear to have been accurate, ultimately leading to the regional pilot's evasive maneuver. Overall, McCormick said having contracted towers increases safety – because the alternative for many of these small airports might be no tower at all. 'The contract tower program has operated safely, effectively and efficiently,' McCormick said. 'The contractors have provided great services, but at the same time, oversight needs to be strong.'
Bloomberg
31-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
How Long Will It Take to Fix Air Traffic Control?
How long will it take to address the outages plaguing our air traffic control system? Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Air Traffic Management Program Coordinator Michael McCormick says it won't happen overnight, even as the Trump administration calls for an overhaul of the system. (Source: Bloomberg)
Condé Nast Traveler
09-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Will the Newark Airport Chaos Repeat Itself at Other US Airports This Summer?
For the past 10 days, US travelers have been watching chaos unfold at Newark airport. The week-plus of disruptions began on April 28, when a loss in communications and radar at the airport's air traffic control tower kicked off a ripple effect of mass delays and cancellations, impacting thousands of travelers. The situation at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport has since improved slightly: On May 9, there were 141 delays and 66 cancellations at the air travel hub by 9:30 a.m., according to FlightAware. Meanwhile, inbound flights faced delays of about two hours at their airports of origin. One of the driving factors behind the havoc at Newark is a shortage of air traffic controllers. The US air travel system currently needs to hire about 3,000 air traffic controllers to reach full staffing levels, according to Airlines for America, an industry lobby group. As the peak summer travel season approaches, one question on the minds of many travelers right now is if the situation at Newark could repeat itself at other airports around the country. Fortunately, one expert says that's 'absolutely not' likely to happen. Although the air traffic controller shortage is ongoing nationwide, the issues facing Newark are locally unique, according to Michael McCormick, professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former air traffic controller. 'What happened at Newark was specific to Newark because it involves the move of the approach control from Long Island to Philadelphia,' he tells Condé Nast Traveler. 'What happened at Newark was specific to Newark" Michael McCormick, professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former air traffic controller In July 2024, Newark's air traffic operations, called 'approach control' in industry parlance, were moved to Philadelphia International Airport in an attempt to shore up staffing levels. 'The New York approach control has been chronically understaffed, and it's been that way since the controller strike in 1981,' McCormick says. 'So to mitigate that, they decided to move the approach control from Westbury, Long Island, down to Philadelphia because Philadelphia has not had a problem either attracting, training, or retaining air traffic controllers.'
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Victorian UK seaside town and popular cruise port with its own pod of dolphins set for £22million makeover
The stunning town is also home to a Line Of Duty star who rated it above Las Vegas COASTAL REVAMP Victorian UK seaside town and popular cruise port with its own pod of dolphins set for £22million makeover Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR seaside town is set to undergo a £22 million upgrade, which will create more public spaces. The Scottish town of Greenock will see a complete overhaul of its town centre as part of the development. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The centre of Greenock in Inverclyde, Scotland is set to undergo a £22 million restructure development Credit: Alamy 8 The project will see part of the local shopping centre demolished to create an outdoor public space Credit: Inverclyde Council 8 The Oak Mall is set to see 40% of its residential units demolished as part of the redevelopment Credit: Wikimedia Commons Located just a 40 minute drive from Glasgow, Greenock is one of the UK's leading cruise hubs. The Victorian town, which has a population of 41,280, welcomes up to 80 cruise ships each year. Greenock grew from a small fishing village to the site of the first port of the Firth of Clyde in 1711. This development is funded by the government's Levelling Up project and has an estimated completion date of autumn 2026. A main focus of the project involves improving access to the Greenock's town centre. It will involve the redesigning and lowering of the A78 flyover to ground level to improve access and create better connections to the town centre. The Bullring Roundabout is set to be replaced with a new low-level road and signalised junction to provide improved links to different parts of the town centre. This work will also see the development of new public spaces for the local community. It will also help modernise local retail space by demolishing the A78 dual carriageway and 40% of the Oak Mall shopping centre, creating a new mall entrance. The Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Hector McNeill House headquarters and the Hunters Place Public Toilets will also be demolished as part of the centre's restructure. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Demolition of the Oak Mall and Hector McNeill House elements is set to begin before summer, followed by the work to the A78. Construction is set to end by late summer 2026, with project completion scheduled for autumn 2026. 'This is a hugely complex project with so many different elements in one of the busiest parts of Inverclyde in terms of traffic," said Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council's convener of environment and regeneration. 'There has been a huge amount of work on the go in the background by council officers working closely with the various partner agencies to get this important Greenock Town Centre regeneration project off the ground. 'There will of course be substantial disruption... but I hope people will continue to share in our vision of making Greenock Town Centre a more attractive and welcoming place to live, work, visit ,and do business." 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The town previously saw ground break on a number of regeneration projects, including the construction of a new Ocean Terminal cruise ship visitor centre. According to the Inverclyde Council, the work is designed to make Greenock more attractive, bringing in more visitors, creating new opportunities, and making the town centre more accessible for residents and visitors. Last year, Greenock was named among the top 10 UK seaside towns to visit with your kids. The town's historic Esplanade, which was first opened in 1867, offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and lochs of the Scottish Highlands as well as the town's existing Victorian architecture. And this mile-long walk will also give you stunning views of the docked cruise ships and you may even spot the town's local dolphin pod. For a closer look, visitors can enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour long boat excursion, which includes a free hot drink for colder days. 8 Visitors to the area can enjoy a boat excursion which offers a close up view of a local pod of dolphins Credit: SWNS 8 Greenock features a wide variety of historic sites, with early settlements dating back as far as 1296 Credit: Alamy From £49.99 per adult, the activity offers you the chance to see the pod of five dolphins, including adult male Lunar, adult female Zuzu and her young calf, as well adult female Bodhi. Two-year-old Clyde, named after his beloved home, proves to be a fan favourite with visitors. Visitors can also take in the stunning surroundings on short day excursions, including Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle, and Stirling Castle, which was often frequented by the Queen of Scots. Film buffs may even spot some locations used for the backdrop of the iconic Braveheart. And the area also has ties to the silver screen, with Line Of Duty's Martin Compston calling the scenic town home. The actor and former footballer discussed splitting his time between Nevada and his home town in an interview with the BBC. "A warm Vegas night under the stars is lovely but the view we have from the couch in Greenock, where you see these huge cruise ships coming in from all over the world, is also amazing," he said. And if you're not on a shore excursion, you can nab a hotel room in the town for as little as £68 per night. As well as a wide variety of activities, the town also offers a bustling night life, from sports bars and gastro pubs to family-friendly restaurants. For a high-end experience, take in the stunning interior of the local Old Bank Bar. Or opt for a more affordable drinking session at the Tail O' The Bank, which offers stunning waterside views. 8 A pod of dolphins can often be spotted in the Firth of Clyde Credit: SWNS 8 Line of Duty star Martin Compston hails from Greenock, spending his time between the Scottish town and Las Vegas Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Victorian UK seaside town and popular cruise port with its own pod of dolphins set for £22million makeover
A POPULAR seaside town is set to undergo a £22 million upgrade, which will create more public spaces. The Scottish town of Greenock will see a complete overhaul of its town centre as part of the development. Advertisement 8 The centre of Greenock in Inverclyde, Scotland is set to undergo a £22 million restructure development Credit: Alamy 8 The project will see part of the local shopping centre demolished to create an outdoor public space Credit: Inverclyde Council 8 The Oak Mall is set to see 40% of its residential units demolished as part of the redevelopment Credit: Wikimedia Commons Located just a 40 minute drive from Glasgow, Greenock is one of the UK's leading cruise hubs. The Victorian town, which has a population of 41,280, welcomes up to 80 cruise ships each year. Greenock grew from a small fishing village to the site of the first port of the Firth of Clyde in 1711. This development is funded by the government's Levelling Up project and has an estimated completion date of autumn 2026. Advertisement Read More On Seaside Towns A main focus of the project involves improving access to the Greenock's town centre. It will involve the redesigning and lowering of the A78 flyover to ground level to improve access and create better connections to the town centre. The Bullring Roundabout is set to be replaced with a new low-level road and signalised junction to provide improved links to different parts of the town centre. This work will also see the development of new public spaces for the local community. Advertisement Most read in News Travel It will also help modernise local retail space by demolishing the A78 dual carriageway and 40% of the Oak Mall shopping centre, creating a new mall entrance. The Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Hector McNeill House headquarters and the Hunters Place Public Toilets will also be demolished as part of the centre's restructure. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Demolition of the Oak Mall and Hector McNeill House elements is set to begin before summer, followed by the work to the A78. Construction is set to end by late summer 2026, with project completion scheduled for autumn 2026. Advertisement 'This is a hugely complex project with so many different elements in one of the busiest parts of Inverclyde in terms of traffic," said Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council's convener of environment and regeneration. 'There has been a huge amount of work on the go in the background by council officers working closely with the various partner agencies to get this important Greenock Town Centre regeneration project off the ground. 'There will of course be substantial disruption... but I hope people will continue to share in our vision of making Greenock Town Centre a more attractive and welcoming place to live, work, visit ,and do business." 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The town previously saw ground break on a number of regeneration projects, including the construction of a new Ocean Terminal cruise ship visitor centre. Advertisement According to the Last year, Greenock was named among the The town's historic Esplanade, which was first opened in 1867, offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and lochs of the Scottish Highlands as well as the town's existing Victorian architecture. And this mile-long walk will also give you stunning views of the docked cruise ships and you may even spot the town's local dolphin pod. Advertisement For a closer look, visitors can enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour long 8 Visitors to the area can enjoy a boat excursion which offers a close up view of a local pod of dolphins Credit: SWNS 8 Greenock features a wide variety of historic sites, with early settlements dating back as far as 1296 Credit: Alamy From £49.99 per adult, the activity offers you the chance to see the pod of five dolphins, including adult male Lunar, adult female Zuzu and her young calf, as well adult female Bodhi. Advertisement Two-year-old Clyde, named after his beloved home, proves to be a fan favourite with visitors. Visitors can also take in the stunning surroundings on short Film buffs may even spot some locations used for the backdrop of the iconic Braveheart. And the area also has ties to the silver screen, with Line Of Duty's Martin Compston calling the scenic town home. Advertisement The actor and former footballer discussed splitting his time between Nevada and his home town in an interview with the "A warm Vegas night under the stars is lovely but the view we have from the couch in Greenock, where you see these huge cruise ships coming in from all over the world, is also amazing," he said. And if you're not on a shore excursion, you can nab a hotel room in the town for as little as As well as a wide variety of activities, the town also offers a bustling night life, from sports bars and gastro pubs to family-friendly restaurants. Advertisement For a high-end experience, take in the stunning interior of the local Or opt for a more affordable drinking session at the 8 A pod of dolphins can often be spotted in the Firth of Clyde Credit: SWNS 8 Line of Duty star Martin Compston hails from Greenock, spending his time between the Scottish town and Las Vegas Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Greenock town centre will see a major redevelopment that is set to improve access to the area significantly Credit: Alamy
