Pilots Support Air Traffic Controllers Through 40-Day Shutdown

During times of crisis, the best of humanity often emerges. As the government shutdown drags into its 40th day—already the longest in U.S. history—values of decency and compassion are being demonstrated by pilots nationwide.

Air traffic controllers have been among the workers hit hardest by the federal shutdown, with ATCs set to miss their second government paycheck on Tuesday.

However, pilots at both local airports and major national hubs have stepped up to support their aviation colleagues. Last week, a group of pilots delivered non-perishable food and supplies for children to controllers working at North Las Vegas Airport, one of the busiest in Nevada.

"As pilots, we have a special relationship with our air traffic controllers," said Jeff Lustick, one of the pilots involved. "They help us keep our skies safe. When we see them in trouble, they don't hesitate to help us, so it's our chance to step up and help them."

Pilots from the area arrived with supplies for this air traffic control tower in Las Vegas last week.

In Warwick, Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Pilots Association (RIPA) is raising money to purchase $20 gift cards to present in bulk to approximately 39 air traffic controllers and their families. Many of these workers have taken on second jobs to support their families during the shutdown.

Sal Corio, president of the association, said “I’ve talked to some of the controllers and there are husbands and wives that both are air traffic controllers, so they have no income coming in right now from the shutdown. And how do they put food on the table? It’s a good question.”

RIPA plans to present the gift cards to the controllers on Tuesday.

The Air Line Pilots Association, a labor union representing over 80,000 pilots, has been coordinating food drives at airports almost daily. Alaska Airlines pilots sent pizza to the ATC tower at San Francisco International Airport, and Delta Air Lines pilots have sent food to every tower and arrivals facilities serving their hubs. Even the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent pizza to Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this month.

Alaskan Airline pilots brought pizza to control staff at San Francisco International Airport back in October

Aside from the goodwill gestures shown by pilots, major unions at the national level have called on Congress to pass the clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution to end the shutdown.

"We stand with our brothers and sisters in air traffic control and TSA who continue to show up to work every day without a paycheck," said Allied Pilots Association President and First Officer Nick Silva.