TERRIBLE Decision by Air Traffic Controller 

We had a controller at my training airport that was a miserable SOB. When he retired the local pilots threw a retirement party, but they didn't invite him.

The “Kaiser Hospital” is not depicted on a VFR Sectional - the Cement Plant is. There is no requirement for the pilot to know where the hospital is.

On the other hand, based on the audio, that student handled being berated...under the nose of a Designated Examiner...extremely well. He was already under a tremendous amount of pressure already and seems to have handled this controller well on top of it. He landed the airplane, he continued to communicate appropriately...hope he passed his check-ride.

Retired controller here. That controller’s attitude and unprofessional behavior is a disgrace to my profession. Unfortunately there are people who get off on humiliating others, and they tend to gravitate toward professions like ATC and law enforcement. We need to be more diligent about weeding them out of such jobs.

One aspect that wasn't mentioned: It's not just about the _potential_ damage the guy may cause in a future incident. It's also about his impact on culture. Like how one rude guy at the office slowly poisons the climate if he goes unchecked, and eventually it becomes the new norm.

If I was that trainee pilot, I would be so relieved having a DE having my back like this DE does, just knowing I wasn't taking all that heat myself

The other issue with escalating like this is that it would make anyone reluctant to re-engage. If the pilot had another concern, or change of plan, or needed clarification, it would be really difficult to push the button and talk to that twit again. So communication degrades dangerously, and there's nothing else between a pilot and ATC except communication.

I flew into San Carlos yesterday and just as an experiment asked where the cement plant is when he gave the clearance. The supervisor immediately jumped on and gave the location and said something like "I'll keep an eye on you and tell you when to turn". It seems like they're making an effort to do better.

Damn that controller needs a reality check, there's no way you can work such a sensitive job with such a bad attitude.

DE to controller "Get a pen..I have a number for YOU to write down..."

From the Management of San Carlos Airport (SQL): "In early October, SERCO replaced its management team and hired new controllers for the San Carlos FCT. Since then, a new air traffic manager and three controllers have been hired and fully trained at SQL. Two additional air traffic controllers are currently being trained at SQL."

You’re a cool guy,willing to admit mistakes you did in your career is more than what most people would do.

Reddit comment on the incident above, with links to more of the backstory: "I own San Carlos Flight Center (Bay Flight callsign). This controller is the Air Traffic Manager at SQL. This incident happened over a month ago, and nothing has changed. Senior Management in the FAA's Air Traffic Organization is aware of the issues and has directly acknowledged this incident. Following the incident, I called the tower to express my concerns and the controller responded by telling me that I'm a "princess" for caring about this, was told that it's "bullshit" that I report safety incidents, and was told that if he was fired his bosses would be "doing him a fucking favor". The same FAA management acknowledged the phone call and are fully aware that this controller is the manager at San Carlos. They still haven't taken any action."

As a contoller I've listened to many pilots talk about ATC. From what I've hear pilots really appreciate when ATC is the comforting voice that treats everyone alike. Doesn't matter if you are a first solo flight or piloting air force one. I will still treat you the same with the same tone in my voice and help you do whatever you set up yo do.

When i am driving in traffic and i see someone get riled up about something very minor, the thought always crosses my mind; "if this is how they react in this small situation, how will they react when someone does something far more egregious, will their head explode?" This is the exact same question that runs through my mind regarding that controller?

As an air traffic controller one of the things I tell student pilots is; when in doubt, ask. Sure it may be an annoyance when you have aircraft lined up one mile apart for ten miles, but it's a lot better than the alternative. This controller gives all of us a bad reputation.

Everyone has bad days, but based on the comments, seems like this controller is exhibiting a pattern of this behavior. This needs addressed by the FAA.

I currently work right next to San Carlos airport. There is a school with a stable of various planes. I watch touch-n-go's or full stops all day and the pattern is always pretty full. I would not be surprised that a pilot was renting a plane to get checked out and was not familiar with the local area. I have a number of friends who are controllers and they are some of the nicest, most helpful people I know. They say they give teaching moments, not criticism. This guy deserved what was coming to him for his attitude.

Center controller here. When a pilot asks me to confirm their assigned altitude I always say " maintain.... thank you for checking". A busted altitude could lead to a midair and I don't want pilots to feel intimidated to ask.

The hospital part reminded me of an old joke: Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway." Ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?" Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?" Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, twice in 1944, but it was dark, -- And I didn't land."

My Grandfather was an FAA DE. He failed a woman on her twin engine exam. The next day, he went to the hospital for chemo, and the nurse administrating chemo was that woman. He laughed and said that he hoped she didn't hold grudges. 🤣🤣🤣

As a retired air traffic controller with over 40 years of experience I completely agree with Kelsey's assessment of this "controller". Totally embarrassing to the aviation community and a potential danger that this type of person is permitted to remain on position.

I went to a pilot-mill school where the training went way too fast and my instructor specifically told us during our instrument training, "Don't bother reading the section about holds in the textbook tonight, I'll teach you "the pen trick""... this resulted in having NO situational awareness during the hold and using the GPS map as a crutch (or rather as the basis of everything). Unbelievably I had no awareness or understanding of how to enter a hold on a DIRECT entry if the turn exceeded 180 degrees. During my checkride hold the GPS map was in "north-up" instead of "track up" as I was used to and (unbelievably!) no one had shown me how to change it. I failed the checkride for failing to enter a hold on a direct entry because a turn in excess of 180 degrees was completely confusing using "the pen trick" taught by my instructor. I felt like a complete failure when I failed, but it made me a much better instructor than I might have been otherwise. I made sure that no other instructor in the entire world would teach hold entries and practice them as thoroughly as I did with my students. And none of my students failed their checkrides. None! You are exactly right that failures are extremely valuable learning experiences that make you better.

Yes absolutely it comes from a place of insecurity. I used to work at a grocery store and nobody is ruder than a customer who has found out that they are the ones who made a mistake and not the cashier. Rather than admit they made a mistake, they double down and get MADDER

Wow. "You fly the airplane, I'll fly the Tower." Um, yeah, CLEARLY this controller should NOT be in this job. Imagine how this person would handle an emergency. At night. In bad weather. With a rookie pilot seeking assistance. Just sayin'...😳

FYI: This controller is a tower mgr and nothing absolutely nothing has been done about him. The big flight school there, the owner called because it was one of his students. He told senior mgmt to remove him or demote and was called a Karen princess, lol. Honestly that controller does need to be canned because it's obvious he's been getting away with a lot.

My brother was an ATC and he spoke of it like it was a calling - a specialized job for a unique group of people. This guy sounds like he has no respect for the job or the industry, least of all for the responsibility of keeping us safe. Thanks for your video, Kelsey: someone out there is looking out for us in the skies.

I don't know if this has already been mentioned, but this contract tower was severely short-staffed, with only two controllers to work all shifts seven days a week. When the airport reopened after pavement rehabilitation in the last couple of months, a bunch of new (experienced) controllers had been added to the staff, and I've heard that the rude controller is no longer working traffic there. Whether he is still there in a managerial capacity, I haven't heard. In any case, the quality of service is hugely improved!

"Sir, you fly the airplane I'll fly the tower." That'll go over well.

Kelsey is correct, the more incompetent the controller the more arrogant and defensive they become. I have worked with many during my career as Controller and Air Traffic Manager!

I live in the flightpath of SQL (and that Kaiser is my hospital). The culture in that control tower has been bad for a long time and it's only been getting worse. As I understand it, the controllers here are employed by a subcontractor that staffs the towers at many smaller airports. The company is known to understaff their towers. The airport is also between three major commercial airports, the airspace is quite complex the airport has come up with their own semi-official approaches, procedures, and landmarks. Anyone who is not familiar with any of these will frustrate the overworked and unprofessional controllers. This is not the only incident of an argument with an instructor/examiner, and even one time the sole controller had to hold all clearances because they had to take a bathroom break with no one there to replace them. SQL is unprofessional, overworked, understaffed, and the contracting company doesn't care.

Many years ago, 59, to be exact, I was on my solo cross country in a Hughs 269 and was trying to land at Long Beach Airport. Because of the smoggy conditions, I was told I would have to get in the pattern but as a student pilot I did not feel comfortable with that, and I asked permission to fly through the control zone and was told, because of the weather and how busy they were, I would have to fly around the control zone, and was given instructions. After some time passed by, Long Beach ATC came on the air and said, "all aircraft, hold your position, we have an unidentified helicopter in the control zone", after a brief pause, came back and asked, "helicopter 875 foxtrot is that you?" At which time I responded, "yes" and he responded, " why, you ding-a-ling," at which time I apologized and told him I was a student pilot on my solo cross country and needed his help, not his sarcasm. He then apologized and gave me the help I needed. I had so many issues and problems that day, I never flew again. I'm probably the only pilot that was ever called, a ding-a-ling. Doesn't do much for a guy's ego.

Very unprofessional controller, he was completely burying himself just as you said, wasting time on frequency about something that was no longer relevant which is a major safety concern. Thanks Kelsey, very interesting story about John McColgan! Rest in peace.

If someone asks "what do you want me to do", just tell them what you want them to do. The Tower has the advantage that they can roll their eyes with no one seeing, but there's no point in dragging things out.

This is the best example of ATC behavior of this low level I have ever heard. A bad attitude as an ATC creates a pink slip. It always has and it always will, because everybody is listening. Excellent show Kelsey. Keep the blue side up.

I didn't pass my check ride for my commercial helicopter the first time. When the examiner asked me to perform a running landing, I did the exact same thing I did on my private exam and let the helicopter touch down then slid on its skids for about 20 feet on a grass portion of the airport. The examiner was looking for the commercial pilot standard of safely expediting a maneuver so that you are not taking extra time and costing your imaginary customer more money than necessary. I had a few practices with my instructor to make sure I could do a running landing in about a foot of slide, and then took the exam again and passed. 👍

That controller was extremely unprofessional.

This reminds me of one time when I was at this (physically) bigger airport that I was unfamiliar with and when I had landed ground asked me to Taxi via like 3 different taxiways and cross a runway. This just broke my brain, I would normally have my iPad to write it down but it had overheated and so I was just doing it on memory. I knew the directions they wanted me to go, but I continued to screw up read back. At the time I was just getting more anxious because everyone was listening to me on frequency be an idiot, but I just took a second and decided to ask for progressive instructions. They weren't terribly busy and after that I kept a notebook with me. Also I realize that ground references are easy but I always feel they are too specific. Like "Kaiser Hospital" vs "The medical complex", I hate flying in somewhere new and they are saying "Yeah cross Farmer Jim's Farm and then tear drop in over the water tower that Suzie and Jimmy made out with during prom" I get that most flights are operated by people who have been to this airport before and are aware but then these places should be indicated on some kind of map that can be looked up before. :) Just my random rant about location names.

I’m not a pilot, but I find ATC and pilot communication very fascinating.

It’s great to show humility, willingness to learn and frank honesty, so others can see that those are aspects of a great pilot! I really enjoyed your story about the check ride and what you learned from it. While I don’t have any intentions of becoming a pilot myself, I can imagine that these lessons are very valuable to anyone interested in the career. For that matter, they’re also good lessons in general for the different type of interactions we all inevitably have with people throughout life. Thanks for the continued quality content!

The controller is also getting confused about FAA regulation 91.123. this regulation covers both ATC clearances and following ATC instructions. In the case of a clearance, if the pilot does not understand, they are required to request clarification. As for being given an instruction, the regulation only requires that you follow the instruction, however, as this video points out, the readback was not in alignment with the instruction, so you could easily assume, there was no recognition of the particular instruction in the first place. What Kelsey is referring to is controller guidance 5-5-2 , paragraph B, numbers three, and number four. In that guidance, the controller is responsible for verification of any instructional readback, and to advise the pilot of an incorrect readback or such readback missing components, which is exactly what happened here, so despite it all, the controller was not doing a very good job, his words now: flying the tower.

“Everyone knows where the that is that flies out of here”? This is what I hate about pilots and controllers that use reporting points that the locals know. It’s an airport. Airports attract people from other places. Kinda the point of airplanes. Controller should of asked ‘are you familiar with the hospital’ or ‘I’ll call your base’.

I love your honesty and encouragement. I wish I'd seen your videos 10 years ago when I was training. 😊

I'm a student pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center (they own the Bayflight callsign), and this controller got.......... fired!!!! It took them a while to do this but it happened around October after the airport reopened due to runway renovations. They hired 3 or 4 new ones and they are working there now. Happy ending!!!

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt!

Respect for your honesty , regarding your failed cx ride. Most of us , who experienced this trauma , never talked about it afterwards. Cheers from a French 748F freight dog !

I’m very impressed with your humility Kelsey. Not very many people in your position would admit to failing. I truly enjoy your podcasts, keep them coming 😎

Love you channel Capt . Kelsey! When I used to fly I would sit back and relax. Now I’m imagining the pilots going thru their checklist, talking to tower for permission and watching attendants prepare! I’m so thankful for smart folks who safely fly us to our location! I ALWAYS thank the pilot & crew !!

“You fly the airplane, I’ll fly the tower.” How the heck do you fly a tower, *sir*

When the examiner asked the controller to repeat, maybe that was a chance for the controller to quickly rethink and rephrase. But I guess that hint (if it was) was completely ignored and the controller just keeps digging the hole deeper.

I fly out of a smaller class D with a flight school on the field...these controllers are some of the most patient I ve communicated with. I thank them every chance i get.

Huge respect for you as you offer an unbiased response to your evaluations and examples

This controller sounds like someone you could just keep repeatedly hitting with "Unable, non standard phraseology" a few times, and you would get to hear what hardcore mic clipping sounds like.

I live in the Bay area, and San Carlos has a lot of campuses spread around, mostly for tech companies, with Kaiser Hospital being mixed in, and if you haven't flown into San Carlos before, you would be quite lost. The behavior seems extra odd, because that airport hosts a lot of pilot schools. Unfortunately, this type of attitude is becoming a lot more common, not referring to ATC, but in general, not sure why, maybe it is Dunning-Kruger, narcissism, or a quirk of the area, but I left the Tech industry because I couldn't deal with people that had maybe a year in the industry that thought they knew everything possible and were treating me as if I was a trainee, when I had been in the industry since 1997.

Another excellent, fantastic, engrossing, captivating, spellbinding video. I was hooked the whole time! Great job, Kelsey!

Even worse is when they not only give a local landmark name, but they give it as an abbreviation. When I was a newly-rated private pilot, I took a flight up to Harrisburg, PA to build hours. The controller there gave me a clearance to overfly "TMI" - I think I had the presence of mind to clarify. Turns out it's Three Mile Island.

Embarrasing yourself on social level in ordinary daily life circumstances may be one thing, but this one is definitelly terrible way to throw proffessionalism outta the window.

I saw this months ago and was so frustrated at the time! Good to see something came from it.

Excellent post, not only the story, but explaining the jobs and reactions (or lack of) that was really required by all. I was a Advanced Infantry Training NCO in 1970 after I went to The US Army Leadership Academy ... ego's is hard enough with a couple, try 160 of them in one group. I sometimes would set the problem trooper down alone after training and explain the "why and what for's" to help them survive combat and be useful to their fellow Troopers... Your explanation was spot on ... as always ... thank you.

That controller's combative nature is doing nothing but inviting those responses. If he can't handle something that simple in a professional manor, he's going to put lives on the line if there's an emergency.

From experience, most humble persons are most competent. Introspection can't be achieved out of the shelf, is a long workout. You, Kelsey, you are very humble, keep it going this way man!

That sounds like the voice and attitude of someone who has never been held to account for their attitude/actions in their life, and is used to being protected from any consequences, I'd be willing to bet that nothing has been done to him.

I had a similar incident a few years ago. Upon a landing done by my first officer while very early in the landing roll at relatively high speed, tower controller gave us an unusual taxi instruction. I then asked to repeat that unfamiliar taxi instruction. The controller stated arrogantly (I didn’t know this was so complicated). First thing I did after disembarking the passengers and putting the airplane to bed was to write a SMS (Safety Management System) report. This way, everything is recorded to prevent any further incidents that could be potentially serious. I later met that controller as a follow up to my report and had an interesting discussion about human factors in a tense environment when captains must take control after landing. Lesson learned for everyone. Safe flights to all.

This is one of the most honest, heartfelt and truthfully posted videos I've ever seen anywhere. No bs, no filler...just honest to perfection.

5:07 Kelsey hits the nail on the head here. One of the biggest truths I've learned in my career and life in general is this.

Kennedy Steve is the only exception to the “let nobody know your name” rule

It’s refreshing to hear you talk about failures, let alone two. Most people would never admit to any failures.

Great insight, Kelsey! I learrned 10x flying from the failures I survived than my "oh yeah" moments.

Thank you for the videos Kelsey! I look forward to your videos every week! ✈️🎉

Ideal situation: you fail, you accept it, you pay a price, and you get better. Worst case: you cop an attitude, blame the expert for being too tough, and eventually lose your own life and perhaps that of others. Attitude is everything in life.

Lovely tribute to John and encouragement to learn from failure.

Great analysis, Learning from your mistakes with supportive competent instructors and examiners is the best thing

Thankfully we don't have these types of controllers at least currently in our area. Informing the tower when there is a solo or check ride in progress also helps ATC be clearer on their instructions and make the experience better for everyone.

Sadly... there are multiple videos of this guy on VAS Aviation.

My first flight into Medford (Class D) I was on long straight in final and given an altitude and to “report abeam the Manor”. I read back the clearance and without releasing the PTT added “I’m unfamiliar with the airport and Manir, is that the big building on top of the hill?” Controller was great. Verified that and said thanks for asking. He also asked if I’d like progressive taxi on the ground and I told him I had the airport chart but accepted the offer and thanked him. Teamwork to make things work smoothly.

I love Kelsey's videos because he is so even handed from all perspectives. You really get an unbiased view of the world of aviation.

I would imagine that the examiners have more hours than I do and since they are still alive and have this responsibility, it would be a great idea to listen to them.

The ATC sounds like the old man in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa where a stranger asks for directions, "It's simple. Just head down the road a piece, then turn right where the old Wilson barn used to be. After it burned down, instead of corn, they planted it in soy. Don't worry, you'll find it." Aside: I am an amateur radio operator. I have studied radio for 30 years, and while we have designated license grades, I have gone through all of them (Novice through Amateur Extra), and am a volunteer examiner. When I put on that badge, and administer that test, I am a representative of the FCC. I have to sign my name, give my call sign on the paperwork, and certify that the examinee has passed the qualification test. (That is the FCC CYA: if the examinee F*s up, they can find me very quickly.)

I love you Kelsey. You're a great example of a professional aviator.

Great advice, thanks for the effort, love the videos and your sense of humor. See you next week, again thank you.

Former USAF controller here... Someone stick a fork in that controller, he's DONE! Prolly a little crispy now actually.

Thanks for another good video Kelsey. Stay safe!! ✈️

Best video yet...lot of honesty here. .....-I once flunked a chedk ride but went on to upgrade to instructor...John Stanley...MSgt USAF...very interesting..

great video being open about your failure not many pilots got the humble ness as you ...watching this video I'll use this wisdom in my paramedic practice ...being older I want to get PPL before I'm unable to

When I’m landing I want to focus on landing, not focusing on debating a controller! So glad our controllers at my airport are the best, opposite to that

Awesome video Kelsey! Knocked this one out of the park ❤

Hi Kelsy, Thank you for all the material. This one was special because I flew SQL way back in 79. At the beginning it took a while to id Kayser hospital. Keep up the good work.

"Story time" Im a controller as well. I once had an allegiant airline pilot (on taxi) ask me when "how long will it be once i get to the hold short before i can take off?" I informed them that i had only 2 aircraft inbound and that it should only be about 5 minutes. ( 1 vfr 1 ifr ) proceeded to watch the 2 aircraft invound as i coordinate for a release for him. I continue to keep thebpilot up to date by giving him position of the aircraft hes after and that i have his release. In the mean time approach throws an airliner AT46 directly behind the vfr with only 3 miles to spare and speed exceeding double the preceding aircraft. I tell allegiant that he will now have to go after the air carrier due to spacing conflict that was just introduced. Pilot gets upset bc im informing him of a change in sequence. When his original interval landed the air carrier was was at 2 miles. While talking to other aircraft allegiant (A319) jumps down my throat saying " i could have gone between those 2 aircraft! im low fuel and need to get airborne" (he just left the gate less than 10 minutes ago) i explain that his sequence was set until approach failed to protect for his release time. He didnt like that either and begins to tell me yet again that he could have made the push. Theres no way an A319 is going to beat an AT46, from a static position at a 110 degree angle from the runway. I had to tell this particular pilot (which is why im telling this story and how it kinda relates) " unfortunately sir, im in charge of determining departure and landing clearances, and not you" Other pilots behind him began to berate him saying things like, "maybe next time you can fill up your aircraft appropriately / why dont you wait your turn like everyone else, cant you hear the controller is trying to help you" Ive never before or ever again had to speak like this with pilots backing me up

If this controller kept their job, at minimum, they should’ve had some retraining, in proper protocols, emotional deescalation tactics training, and closely monitored, for 6-12 months after this incident. This controller was rude and lacked basic professionalism. You never know who you’re talking to, and what kind of power they hold. If this controller had simply treated everyone with dignity and respect, this wouldn’t have been a thing, at all. Being nice and respectful is free!

I like that the DE actually said "let's do the "controller" training off the frequency". Strongly says there will be something to answer to coming up. 🤔

I’m a business traveler who stays at the Fairfield Inn at the San Carlos airport just so I can watch. It still amazes me that PC-12’s can operate from a runway that short!

Most pilots don’t like to talk about checkride failures. Kudos to you, Kelsey, for being open about it.

The entire San Carlos Airport needs to be shut down. The controller is a manager and the airport management above them are just as toxic and irresponsible. Numerous complaints have been made and FAA has done nothing. The state should step in and pull their business license before someone gets killed by this incompetence all the way up in that airport.

I know as a young man running my first retail store as a manager at times it was hard to maintain my emotions and be professional. After a few years and a lot of experiences it was easier to do. Some people never learn how to separate their emotions and maintain a professional attitude while on the job.

Ouch, as a fellow Boeing 747 pilot I can tell you that the level of ATC professionalism abroad is much different than stateside. Sad to hear this controller lose his temper and probably career. Great lesson to share with newer pilots.

I enjoy your videos so much! Thanks!

Some people have never been punched in the face, and it shows.

I really appreciate your advice on keeping your cool and on the fact that irate individuals are often feeling inadequate. Nice…

Kelsey, i really appreciate you telling the story about John Stanley failing you. Everyone should learn from their mistakes and Not chastise those who call you out... You are a wonderful example of a pilot that admits his shortcomings and not being arrogant as many others would act... You're a CLASS ACT, KELSEY! You have my 100% RESPECT! 👍👍❤️🙂 george 😎🤿🦈🦑🇺🇸 TEXAS

I love the idea of ATC getting the "I'm giving you a number to call. Let me know when you're ready to copy" from a pilot.