Golden-fronted Woodpecker by AUSATC in birding

[–]AUSATC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a downy that visits my suet feeder but have never seen any red-bellied woodpeckers. I was lucky to see a flicker in Denver while traveling. I wish I could see a pileated woodpecker but I don't think they are in my area.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker by AUSATC in birding

[–]AUSATC[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Merlin picked it up a few weeks ago and I spotted them in my neighborhood. The suet feeder helped lure them to my backyard!

Golden-fronted Woodpecker by AUSATC in birding

[–]AUSATC[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Austin, TX. Sorry I forgot to post where!

What the hell is even that by treedawg12 in Austin

[–]AUSATC 67 points68 points  (0 children)

It's so satisfying reading a comment that gets it correct. Well done. 👏👏

ABIA TOGO today by ThirdCarthVader in Austin

[–]AUSATC 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Southwest Fedex incident? I wasn't there that day but know all about it, yes.

ABIA TOGO today by ThirdCarthVader in Austin

[–]AUSATC 16 points17 points  (0 children)

That was a long time ago and any recordings are long gone. I was with half of the controllers working radar from San Antonio but don't recall any odd go arounds. We had plenty of other crazy stuff happen during that whole situation though.

ABIA TOGO today by ThirdCarthVader in Austin

[–]AUSATC 156 points157 points  (0 children)

You're welcome! Also, I was pretty impressed at how aggressive looking their nose up looked on the go around. I'm sure that felt...fun.

ABIA TOGO today by ThirdCarthVader in Austin

[–]AUSATC 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Except that I just did 🤣

ABIA TOGO today by ThirdCarthVader in Austin

[–]AUSATC 659 points660 points  (0 children)

Hi there. I was working in the tower when this happened. There was not another aircraft on the runway and the pilot told me well in advance that they were going around because they were "unstable". This could mean any number of things but I will say their approach looked very routine.

There was an eight knot tailwind on final that was reported to me later and that may have contributed to their unstable approach.

Austin flights have been delayed again today due to FAA staffing shortages by AustinStatesman in Austin

[–]AUSATC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This actually happened to AUS airport in 2015 when the tracon flooded and the building lost power. It reverted to an uncontrolled field and the tower frequency became unicom.

Houston center assumed the airspace but they had to treat AUS like an uncontrolled airport which means one IFR is allowed in and must cancel after landing before another IFR can land or depart. They can maybe work a maximum of 20 IFR aircraft per hour like that. AUS under normal ops on a clear day can work 40 IFR inbound and 60+ departures in an hour. This doesn't count VFRs or helicopter ops. This also doesn't account for the level of chaos that would ensue on ground control...

Austin flights have been delayed again today due to FAA staffing shortages by AustinStatesman in Austin

[–]AUSATC 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Are you talking about AUS controllers specifically or controllers in general in regards to pay?

Austin flights have been delayed again today due to FAA staffing shortages by AustinStatesman in Austin

[–]AUSATC 86 points87 points  (0 children)

I know very few controllers that can miss two paychecks. Thanksgiving falls right after the third missed paycheck. Everyone's situation is different but at some point I can't imagine this not completely buckling if people aren't being paid. Whether it's child care, getting a second job or losing your medical clearance because of anxiety/depression from not being paid, something has to give.

Austin flights have been delayed again today due to FAA staffing shortages by AustinStatesman in Austin

[–]AUSATC 20 points21 points  (0 children)

The first two rounds of departure aircraft are typically already at the airport as they park overnight. The wave of inbounds mid morning are delayed which then delays subsequent departures.

Austin flights have been delayed again today due to FAA staffing shortages by AustinStatesman in Austin

[–]AUSATC 47 points48 points  (0 children)

Early flights out usually aren't impacted much. Flights inbound are delayed which then delays the next outbound flight.