Imagine a bustling airport, a hub of activity where planes take off and land with precision. Now, picture that same airport as a ticking time bomb, a place where a mid-air collision is not just a possibility but a looming threat. This is the stark reality facing Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles County, according to transportation officials and aviation experts. But here's where it gets even more alarming: the flaws that make this scenario possible are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deeper, systemic issue plaguing air travel in the United States.
Over a year has passed since the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter in Washington DC, claiming 67 lives. Yet, despite the outcry and calls for reform, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to sound the alarm, urging for more safeguards to prevent another catastrophe. And this is the part most people miss: the antiquated air traffic control (ATC) system, a relic of the 1960s and 70s, remains a significant vulnerability in airports across the nation.
Matthew Buckley, a decorated Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot, former TOP GUN graduate, and ex-commercial pilot for American Airlines and FedEx, minces no words when describing the situation. “Our air traffic control system is stuck in the past,” he told The U.S. Sun. “We have smartphones capable of powering the Apollo mission, GPS, and cutting-edge technology, yet our ATC system is a disgrace—an embarrassment to this country.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the FAA has taken steps to address specific hotspots, such as lowering the traffic pattern at Van Nuys Airport to reduce conflicts with Burbank arrivals, critics argue these measures are reactive rather than proactive. Buckley points out that these changes often come at a tragic cost, written in the blood of those lost in accidents like the 2025 DC crash. “It’s a self-cleaning oven,” he says, highlighting the grim reality that aviation safety improvements are frequently spurred by disasters.
The NTSB’s Chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, has been vocal about the risks at Burbank, stating, “Commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air collision is going to happen at Burbank, and nobody at the FAA is paying attention.” Her words are a stark reminder of the urgency needed to address these issues. But is the FAA doing enough? Or are they merely treating symptoms while ignoring the root cause?
Another contentious issue is the pilot shortage in the U.S., which has led airlines to lobby the FAA to reduce the required flight hours for commercial pilots from 1,500 to 750. While the FAA has declined this request, Buckley raises concerns about the skill level of younger pilots. “When I fly with them, I’m blown away by their lack of skill,” he admits. “Thank God aviation is automated, but imagine inexperienced pilots operating in a flawed ATC system—it’s a recipe for disaster.”
The NTSB has issued a comprehensive list of recommendations, including implementing 25-hour cockpit voice recorders, mandating Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, and restricting helicopter operations near busy airports. However, the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, which would require GPS-tracking technology on all aircraft, remains stalled in Congress. Is this legislative gridlock putting lives at risk? And why is it taking so long to adopt technology that could prevent future tragedies?
As we reflect on the victims of the 2025 DC crash—individuals like Captain Jonathan Campos, 16-year-old Spencer Lane, and Black Hawk Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara—we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to ensure their deaths were not in vain? The FAA’s actions, while commendable, seem to be reactive rather than preventive. Is it time for a complete overhaul of our air traffic control system, or are we content with patching up an outdated infrastructure until the next tragedy strikes?
What do you think? Are the current measures sufficient, or is a more radical transformation needed? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation that could save lives.
