On a crystal clear late summer morning 25 years ago, the 11,000 employees PASS represents at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were on the job as usual, working for the American public. What transpired that day changed our nation and the aviation industry forever. In the days, weeks and months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, these employees went above and beyond their usual selfless dedication to their work.
PASS National President Dave Spero was at work in Oklahoma on 9/11. “I witnessed the remarkable professionalism of my co-workers and air traffic controllers to secure facilities and bring aircraft in safely,” he said.
Over 4,000 planes were grounded, and those in the air were directed to the closest airport. PASS members and bargaining unit employees staffed phones to address pilot, mechanic and public concerns. They monitored airports and facilities around the clock, coordinating extraordinary mandates from the White House, Department of Transportation and the FAA. At the request of the Department of Defense, these dedicated public servants staffed long-range radars throughout the country and worked with the Air Force to provide additional radar surveillance, data and voice communication capability to the military.
“PASS worked closely with the FAA to remain focused on the mission at hand during a national emergency,” President Spero continued. “PASS-represented employees answered the call, standing together to support the safety of our aviation system and our country.”
Aviation safety inspectors worked with the FBI to review procedures for how foreign nationals gain access to U.S. aircraft, receive pilot training and perform maintenance on U.S. aircraft. Records examiners performed quick and extensive reviews of pilot certificates, resulting in the identification of the terrorists responsible for the attacks.
“In what was an unprecedented mobilization effort, PASS members stepped up to support the defense of their country and the safety of the National Airspace System,” said President Spero. “They are prepared every day to do their jobs and to respond to any national emergency.”
As we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed, the thousands more injured on that day—and the first responders with lingering health problems—PASS vows to their families to never forget the sacrifices made and to honor those who lost their lives. The union’s commitment to aviation safety will never waver.
