Air Traffic Controller Says Fears About Flying During Shutdown Are Justified

An air traffic controller working two jobs through the government shutdown isn’t trying to alarm flyers … but, he thinks a mental lapse on the part of another ATC is possible given the current issues in he field.

We spoke with Jack Criss — an air traffic controller with more than 15 years of experience in the field — on “TMZ Live” Thursday … and, he told us he has a friend who refused to fly to visit him because she feared getting on a plane amid the increased stress on other controllers.

Criss tells us he’s a safety advocate, and he always gives 100% focus to his job when he’s working … but, he could see a situation where an air traffic controller — worried about not receiving any pay, while also dealing with other personal issues — could screw up and end up hurting a lot of people.

Basically, Criss says this is unlikely … but, not impossible — just another reason the shutdown needs to end.

As for him personally, Jack says he worked 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday as a controller … but, he’s also putting in work as a DoorDash delivery driver from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM every day after work and 8-10 hours on both Saturday and Sunday.

It’s a ton of hours … and, the longer the shutdown goes on, the harder it is for Criss to do both. Jack says he’s had a long tenure in the field … but, even he’s considering switching fields over the insecurity.

Criss says young employees who haven’t held the job for as long are certainly feeling strained … like a woman he’s training who just had a baby months ago — who he says told him she’s not sure she made the right choice in her career path.

Harvey and Charles mentioned the new political movement they’re pushing — “OWTA” or “Out With Their Asses” — which calls on voters to vote out all incumbent members of Congress because of the shutdown. Criss says it’s a “groovy” idea … though he doesn’t sound convinced that it’s a realistic one.