Rep. John Mica (R-FL) attacks Air Traffic Controller at Congressional Hearing.

[sixnightsaweek]

Fuc that asshole...he was sitting in his conpfy chair

[b017ni3]

he wouldn't have come off looking like such an asshole if he would have let the air traffic controller finish his sentences. he kept cutting him off before he was done speaking, and did the same thing to the crew. before they'd finished their thoughts he was already onto another question.

[johnxavierie]

asshole . these bastards are done

[redddawg14]

What a fucking DIP SHIT! I can't believe this prick!

[CounterCultureLives]

An absolutely useless congressman attempting to appear somewhat useful....... a total FAIL!!

[iremmeber]

This guy is an idiot, he shouldn't be allowed to do anything in his life by some of the questions. "You saw more than 1 bird?" Are you kidding me? Does he think it's possible for 1 bird to take out 2 engines??

[BOOM7STAR]

OMG he was told by whom??  what in the $%$^#$&^ is his problem uneducated fool its like hes fishing for something and comes up empty cmon GREAT JOB AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AND FLIGHT CREW I SALUTE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[prov1987]

Fucking Mica, dumb shit... "I don't know why I'm here and I don't know what the fuck I'm talking about and I don't know anything about aviation but I'm going to try to find out in 5 minutes"

[Dexi]

lmao... could he have worked that day? No, that's the guy they send to get their coffee and donuts every day... What answer was he expecting?

[BenBrowner]

surely if he is going to question this crew about aviation he should let them answer for a start and know the facts and at least the basics of aviation and air traffic control. it seems a bit stupid to get him to ask questions about this when he clearly isn't prepared or has enough knowledge.

[chschluter]

I'm a little confused as to why everyone's comments are so negative. I don't he a belittled the crew, or controller but rather made himself ignorant to aviation, not trying to show off. There is no problem with trying to figure out manning and equipment issues, part of his job is to help make it better. If someone would please explain how this is insulting I would appreciate it. Controllers and pilots only please, no youtube people that think they know more than Rep Mica... you don't.

[plane63]

People whom really do not have adequate knowledge of aviation should not be on this board. I couldn't give a shit if they're a congressman, it should be professionals like Sully on this board, who can come up with real information, not the bloated conspiracy theories these dipshits are coming up with. Christ, I'm a Republican too!

[buddymac80]

What a FUCKING RETARD! John Mica is so full of shit and himself. His interrogation is laughable at best. His idea of what reality is on the subject of which he speaks could not be closer to delusion and inaccurate. For those that don't know, it would be like a nun criticizing and explaining how to play quaterback to Drew Brees. Or blaming the weatherman for the thunder storm. This guy is absolutely clueless and he has to know that he is not well versed on the subject. What a ignorant jackass!

[fourhume]

From a Canadian fan of our neighbors to the south, I feel sorry for you that such an ignorant person can hold such an important position. Extremely insulting, ignorant and full of himself. What a waste of everyone's time to listen to inane questions.

[wizardmix]

For those who stay out of government, politics or the legal system, this is how it is, seriously, this is how policies are made, ethics are determined and laws are written. The emotions you feel are perfectly calculated ones that Mica knew he could inflict to derive a response that will serve his interest agenda. THIS IS WHY MORE PEOPLE SHOULD PAY ATTENTION AND VOTE!!!!

[wizardmix]

Mica seems like a typical lawyer... They don't bash lawyers and make jokes about how shitty they are for nothing, here you go. For anyone who has never be deposed, this is what it's like. You do everything right and you are somehow made to feel like you did something wrong and they usually only know the cliff notes about what you do.

[17bogs]

haha the controller made him look retarted hahaha good for you man...appreciate everything you guys do

[b101uk]

Well I thought it was all perfectly pertinent the questions asked, the most worrying thing is the amount of comments posted from supposed ATC, pilots or other people who cannot see relevance to rational questions asked by someone who by there own admission is not an ATC or pilot but is there to ask questions to establish facts etc.

[KryzMasta]

@b101uk It's fine to ask questions, but he's doing two things: 1) he's trying to show off how much he knows about aviation and La Guardia in particular. Why would he do that to an ATC? That guy has no use on information of new departure paths being discussed, or equipment the Airforce has available. They should talk to his CEO about that. 2) This guy is simply not being respectful to the people he's questioning. Even if they did something wrong, they deserve better than that.

[dustoff86]

@KryzMasta The problem is he is showing how little he actually knows. This is unsettling considering the committee he is apart of...

[KryzMasta]

@dustoff86 He just wanted to use this opportunity to push his agenda. Probably he talked to the people at La Guardia already, and they weren't really open for more flight paths or new equipment, so he's trying to get this hero of the day to confirm his point, so that he can go back to the airfield's management and say: see, even the people in the control room agree with me.

And whether he knows a lot or not, I don't even care about... But yeah, it's a sad display.

[17bogs]

@b101uk thats bullshit...theres one thing to ask questions, theres another to be so obnoxious and so inexperienced in the field its sickening...how would you like it if you were talked to like that after you just saved hundreds of lives...he has no respect for these people who are heros

[FlyGirl321CF]

Between the two pilots, three flight attendants and one ATC, there are 177 years of experience!!!!!!!

John Mica has 17 years as a politician. How much aviation training does Mica have?!!!!!!!

[FlyGirl321CF]

You go Patrick!!! 6:20 - "I can tell you right now, some of those wouldn't work. Just being honest."

[TheGeorgecostanza]

What a total fucking idiot! This crew saved a bunch of lives and are commendable for it!

[mspencer02]

At least with STARS, even 3 nm from the antenna you'd be damn lucky to see a flock of birds return on the radar. Usually the normal attenuation setting on the radar will filter it out (I think Common ARTS, which is what they use at N90, doesn't have saved prefs like STARS) if there is a significant return. I mean you can see airplanes squawking C, standby, and filter via altitude and area, but you can't just delete targets, and geese don't carry transponders.

[TomBrooklyn]

Thanks for posting this video. However, the title is misleading and the description is strangely defensive and antagonistic. Mr. Mica is seeking to gain any possible insights into potential improvements in the system.

Some of defensive positions of the most recent commentors in reaction is odd. Since many of them identify themselves as pilots, the obscene language they use is disturbing in it's lack of professionalism, and not something that instills confidence in their skill.

[BGnATC]

I think my blood pressure just went up a few points.

[markymark21105]

i dont know a great deal about atc but it appears this twat is trying to put blame where no blame exists am i wrong?

[cfqpa]

Mica, you friggin bug, the us senate and congress is full of idiots like this

buddy shut the fuck up

you dont know shyte about aviation or atc or much else by the sounds

dumb fucknut

[Cessna65866]

Mica is a F.... ! idiot. man this guys questions and the way he puts it is so ignorant. Im a commercial single/ multi pilot and Air traffic control specialist trainee and how i sit here and laugh!! What is your experience blah blah. Was your engines defective? uhuh  do you have a backup experinced controller? WTF LMAO

[maelo11]

WOW!!! I CAN'NOT BELIEVE THIS SHIT!!!!!!. This guy doesnt know shit about aviation. Mica I got a message for you " Fuck you and your bullshit opinion". What a fucking douche bag!!!!, I cant believe this is questioning professionals on their jobs when he doesn't have the slightest idea.

[surfdaj]

one year later, I hate this fuckstick! choke on a bojangles biscuit!

help MCO for once you chin nut bastard

[peakcoach]

what a fucking idot....God that was painful to wathc

[Marijn2001]

Just give all the birds a transponder mr. Mica

[maelo11]

@Marijn2001 jejejeje nice one, I bet he doesn't even know what a transponder is

[alpha18412]

God, God, God; the more I watch this the more enraged I become at this sorry excuse for an elected official.

[alpha18412]

The gaul of this man; the pointless interrogation of the very people who kept their heads when the shit hit the fan. We need to take that toupe , wrap it around his right index finger and stick it up his ass. Dear Mr. Air Traffic controller; I know your profession never recovered from Mr. Reagan's firing of your PATCO predecessors so I feel totally comfortable telling you how ATC works.

[alpha18412]

Kinda reminds me of the 9/11 commission hearings.

First off; although I have a multi million dollar staff to research every word I say, " What kind of plane were you flying?"

Mr. Mica needs to leave public service and pursue a career more fitting his intelligence i.e. janitor or McD's drive through.

[lionheart270866]

There has been bird strikes by one bird that has brought a 757 down to land again. Nothing to do with a flock. It can be controlled to a point but birds will flock where they want. Usually to a waterside area. The logic here is training pilots to deal with these situations, not point fingers at people when they did their job. To have a radar screen pick up one bird flying at <3000ft is ludicrous. They all have years of experience, saved the passengers yet he feels that it was human error.

[lionheart270866]

This guy has no place in this hearing and to its conclusions. He knows nothing about Aviation except what he'd "Googled"! He points his finger as to play the blame game which I find very offensive. Why is he on the panel? Is he the Commissioner's pal or confidant? Reminds me of Bettman NHL where its more about the steak dinners then the people who make it happen. Unfortunate that people like this call the shots. Up the Training and cut out the steak dinners!.... A humble pilot.

[zmpoldguy]

This is the best Florida has to offer? What an absolutely clueless, pompous ass.

[hunterTS4]

Dear Mr. Mica

Your voice can still be heard if you do not point at people when you talk, First Officers have names, and a controller with 100 years experice or 10 years experience can still have to deal with birds. Everyone in that court room was laughing at you on the inside. YOU sir, are an absolute idiot. That is all Sincerely, Aviator

[alpha18412]

@hunterTS4 My thoughts exactly.

[hockibabe]

WTF? This guy is ONLY asking questions to hear himself talk...He is so arrogant in asking people to mainly say "we're NOT qualified".....

[JConnor88]

What a dumbass... How can you head up a hearing on something you have no idea one the way these things work.

[pattycakes96]

idiot....

[ValhallaOrBust85]

I like it when people who nothing about ATC try to make important decisions or analyze and criticize how we do our job.

[saltysnakes1]

I hear you guys get good pay. Is is really hard to be an ATC or is it something anyone could do if they put enough time into it?

[nabbyfan]

This Mica is a real tool. HE has no business asking these questions and speaking with such a condescending tone. 6:24 is great

[cdubois13]

This guy Mica is an embarrassment to my home state.FL.He's not qualified to assess a pie eating contest.You should know what your talking about especially in terms of an aviation incident.

[TrooperRat]

I didn't see it that bad, he was asking questions as given by whatever experts or - probably know-nothings, that were feeding it to him.

[JGSurveyor]

@ 6:24 Mica gets owned...this guy is an idiot..how is he in office

[barrybolton]

MORRRRROOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!

[circlecero]

Cactus 1549 traffic, 12 o'clock, 2 miles, south bound flight of canadian geese descending through 2900. Whats so hard about that? Unless of course the canadian geese didnt have their mode c transponders on them.

[lunchbag08]

fuckin classic lol The FAA better be after them, thats required in class B

[drewinatl]

This Mica dumbass obviously knows nothing about ARTS, STARS or DSR.

Idiot.

[jermscentral]

Not to compare this as a similar job, but when ATCs are replaced on-position, be it for breaks or the end of a shift, the person taking over the position will almost always have a different level of experience, much like a fast food order taker going on break or ending a shift -- the replacement may have a week of experience, or they may have 30 years of experience. They are working as a replacement because they can do the job. Mica is an idiot.

[tigersfan14]

what an asshole. avian detection radars are at best still in the experimental stage of development because it can detect false positives (which could be dangerous) nonetheless costing millions of dollars. mica should be ready to ask his republicans cronies for a major funding committment. which i am willing to bet won't happen. heroes should never be used to progress political rhetoric. shame on you!

[cagepondroad]

Typical politician who is hamming it up in front of the camera trying to look important. What the hell is he driving at here anyway. Is this a show and tell or a hearing, however nice zinger by the controller"...it won't work."

[ErvinK13]

REEEEEEEEEEE

[OurAirspace]

Congressman Mica is exhibiting a troubling unethical re-framing of the issue. Mica is doing is terrible disservice to his constituents, controllers, pilots, the flying public and to the commercial airlines whom he has a special close relationship.

Congressman Mica's chief aim is to privatize Air Traffic Control in the move towards the "Free Flight" concept. Towards that end he is using this aviation crash and rescue as a way to sell Next Gen and an illegal and unsafe airspace redesign.

[Wickedpenguin]

I just punched my desk. Who the FUCK does Mica think he is? Who the FUCK?

I love how he asks questions and never allows the person to answer them for more than 3 seconds. Then he starts skewing the questions to push the ill-advised New York airspace redesign. And the staffing questions? "Back ups" for an ATC position?

He is so out of touch with aviation. Thank you to the controller for setting that bastard straight. "Just being honest."

10am on my day off and I'm already pissed off.

[walkinwithjesus]

@Wickedpenguin Not to mention that he's always pointing at someone. As if this idiots questions werent rude enough he has to jab his finger in their direction.

[78ghy78]

Mica- What a F**kin Idiot!! I've been flying over 40 years, Commercial Pilot, CFII and an Air Traffic Controller for over 22 years. A PERFECT EXAMPLE of how the people in charge DON"T HAVE a CLUE about Air Traffic, nor what's really involved, yet they are the ones that make the policy

and the decisions which affect the lives and safety of the flying public. PATHETIC!!!!! The Controllers and the Pilots make this system work EVERYDAY!!! In spite of the IDIOTS like this running the "Business."

[sonyvito]

@78ghy78 

[clearedapproach77]

@78ghy78 BRAVO says this center controller. "I hear you can 'dumb down' your radar" What a complete horse's ass!!! Then at 5:55 he tries to sell the controller with the airspace redesign...."I can tell you right now some of those wouldn't work" LOL I'm assuming that roar of laughter was from his fellow controllers and other pilots who actually KNOW what's going on. Just another example of the complete disconnect between congress and the aviation industry.

[ublion]

Instead of highlighting his original statements of how professional both the crew (capt. especially) and the controller were in this event ...Mica highlights his own ignorance. He spends most of his time trying to push for airspace redesign in NY.....are you serious!

[airboss4311]

Mica: "Er, what was the type of the aircraft?"

"Did you have a radar screen?"

What a clueless idiot. Talk about dumbed down,

[Federalworkers]

Congressman Mica:

Resign now.

For the good of America- Resign now.

You sir, need to go back to Florida and stay there.

[bpkarna]

MIca is a moron and proves it here.

[surfdaj11]

What a rude, disrespectful, Union Hating LOSER!!

[dwehking1]

This guy is complete asshat.

[livestrongrider]

Is Mika serious?? These are the people in charge? No wonder the FAA is in a current state of confusion.

[JWonser]

Translation: "Good job, all... except for you, ATCer. Why didn't you prevent the birds from flying there?"

[grx007]

Mica clearly has no clue about any part of this incident. It p's me off that he points to and talks down to all these skilled professionals as if he was somehow teaching them a thing or two.

[ElDonParet]

Mica did not know the aircraft type, googled looking for engine failures and was disrectpectful to the crew and controller.

What is he doing in that committee?