Originally Posted by
MEM_ATC
mike734 and everyone else,
Please read the following letter from a DFW Controller to the local news reporter who reported this story. The critical aspect that was NOT reported, was that an FAA Supervisor made the decision for the "emergency" aircraft to continue to RWY 31R at DFW. All of the Controllers were simply shocked at this decision, but are required to comply with their Supervisors orders -- or face disciplinary action.
Another similar situation is developing here at MEM, and that info should be in the press within the next day or two.
And here's a fine letter to the local news hitman from one of my fellow controllers. I wish I could formulate ideas this well.
I hear you. I'm glad you took the time to respond and I'm glad your friend wrote the reporter. I am still shocked that the incident happened. I'm not sure what is more shocking, the controllers words or the pilots acceptance of the other runway.
I can only conclude that the winds and the pilots thoughts on his actual fuel, led him to find the longer approach acceptable. He probably just thought it was not so critical that he had to push the situation. I hope the supervisor is relieved of supervisory authority until he is retrained and truly believes what the previous poster said, "He is down there because the pilot is up there. Not the other way around." They should have that painted on the walls in every tracon and center.
BTW I have flown in many other countries and you guys in the USA are the greatest IMHO. I appreciate the work you do and wish you every success in your negotiations with the FAA.