PASS Remembers 9/11

Details: Published: July 09, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On September 11, 2001, the men and women of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), which represents over 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA) employees, responded to the attacks on this country by helping to ensure operation of the systems used to land all the aircraft in the National Airspace System and guaranteeing that safety was not compromised. In the days following the events of 9/11, FAA technical employees staffed phones to address pilot, mechanic and public concerns. They also monitored airports and facilities 24 hours a day and coordinated mandates from the White House, Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA. At the request of the Department of Defense (DoD), PASS-represented technical employees staffed long-range radars throughout the country, leaving home sometimes for weeks at a time. Employees also worked with the Air Force to provide additional radar surveillance, data and voice communication capability to the military in support of homeland defense.

In addition, aviation safety inspectors represented by PASS mobilized to work with airlines to address procedures involving passenger safety. Following 9/11, aviation safety inspectors worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to review procedures for how foreign nationals gain access to U.S. aircraft, receive pilot training and perform maintenance on U.S. aircraft. Aviation safety inspectors also worked with the airlines to closely monitor activity at thousands of outlaying airports. Records examiners performed quick and extensive reviews of pilot certificates, resulting in the identification of the terrorists responsible for the attacks.

In recognition of the dedication and personal sacrifices made by PASS bargaining unit employees following the terrorist attacks, the FAA and the Air Force presented PASS with an award of excellence and gratitude. The award acknowledged the men and women of PASS for their "tireless support and dedication," emphasizing that because of the swift action taken by these employees, "our nation is, and will remain, a safer place." Ten years later, PASS remains proud of the efforts displayed by its members on that fateful day. "FAA employees responded quickly, calmly and with a constant eye on safety even in the face of such horrendous events," said PASS National President Tom Brantley.

All of PASS stands together in solemn remembrance of 9/11. PASS honors the memory of those who gave their lives 10 years ago and all of those who have given their lives since that horrific day. "As we remember the events of 9/11 and recognize that this country was forever changed on that day 10 years ago, we must take a moment to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Brantley. "I know I speak for all of PASS when I say that they will never be forgotten."

For more information or questions, please contact Kori Blalock Keller at (202) 293-7277 x110.

###

For 36 years, PASS has represented more than 11,000 employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense who install, maintain, support and certify air traffic control and national defense equipment, inspect and oversee the commercial and general aviation industries, develop flight procedures and perform quality analyses of the aviation systems. For more information, visit the PASS website at www.passnational.org.