Use On September 11, 2001
The U.S. plan has been implemented once (other than tests) since its inception. On September 11, 2001 the codeword was broadcast, implementing an ATC Zero condition throughout U.S. airspace and ordering that all U.S. air traffic be grounded, after the September 11 attacks. Even in that instance, the emergency plan was only partially implemented as the Defense Department left command and control of the air traffic system with the FAA and intentionally allowed all radio navigational aids to remain in operation to aid in the process of controlling and landing the thousands of planes which were aloft in domestic airspace.
The 9/11 Commission Report made reference to this unprecedented order and commended the air traffic controllers who carried it out.
Several people have been credited with issuing the SCATANA order for a national ground stop. The 9/11 commission credits Ben Sliney with issuing the directive after he witnessed United Airlines Flight 175 crash into the south tower of the World Trade Center.
Read more about this topic: Security Control Of Air Traffic And Air Navigation Aids
Famous quotes containing the word september:
“On 16 September 1985, when the Commerce Department announced that the United States had become a debtor nation, the American Empire died.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)