"Drunk" Air Traffic Controller on Radio

[@jdonovan74]

I see 4 bars on the uniform!

[@randallsluder8289]

Yes, what’s up with the 4 stripes?

[@davids5006]

@@randallsluder8289he made Captain

[@firefly4f4]

Those were there last week too. 👍 🌝

[@baseballmomof8]

Yes. Those showed up last week.

[@kiloyardstare]

Despite all his YT shenanigans!

[@Laciesgrl33]

Congratulations Captain Kelsey. The 74gear community is so proud of you.

[@T-Chair]

Totally, those bars look real good and well earned

[@robertedison4814]

@@T-Chair...4 STRIPES was the first thing I noticed on this excellent episode!!!!!

[@Fastvoice]

@@robertedison4814 He already had them on the episode before. 😉

[@darringreen8630]

Guys, he was drunk and stole the captain's epaulets.

[@joshilini2]

Nice if he would respond to these comments . . .

[@kenbrown2808]

good on you for making it clear there are medical issues that can seem similar to a person being drunk.

[@shadowprince4482]

Yep, I have a speech impediment and sometimes get low blood sugar. Oddly enough 1 or 2 beers helps my speech but it falls off pretty quickly after that. So people constantly think I'm drunk except for when I've actually had a little alcohol. It's super annoying especially because I also have a general tremor in my hand which alcohol also usually but not always fixes.

[@jennifercoulter6886]

Sounds a lot like a diabetic with low blood sugar

[@factzilla1868]

Quito's altitude can also cause hypoxia/mountain sickness in even healthy individuals and exacerbate those medical issues. symptoms include confusion as well as impaired judgement to realize what's happening (hence the value of hypoxia training)

[@autohitman]

There is a very good video on KZbin with air traffic control who was having a medical emergency. It sounded very similar to this controller. I’m sure you can search for it and find it. It was a great video.

[@rationalbushcraft]

Low blood sugar normally doesn't last for hours like this. Either it keeps dropping until you pass out and eventually die or someone recognizes it and gives you some candy or juice. What I find more disconcerting is that this lasted for hours. No pilot who heard this did anything? How would any of these people felt if a couple of planes full of people collided? Not only would I have not taken off I would have called right away and got someone out there ASAP before someone got killed. To me that is the big story here.

[@MoMadNU]

In November 2018 the tower controller at Las Vegas International was having a stroke. What ensued was nothing short of amazing, as there were aircraft both on the ground and in the air at the time. The pilots involved switched to the CTAF and ran the whole operation as if it were a non-towered airport. The dialog sounds like everyone was in a single engine prop aircraft flying GA and everything was nominal. It's really worth a listen.

[@slappymcgillicuddy7532]

she had been under the influence as well since she was terminated shortly after.

[@CapStar362]

@@slappymcgillicuddy7532 she wasnt terminated either, she resigned and then disappeared before they could even properly terminate her.

[@computer_toucher]

Link?

[@CapStar362]

@@computer_toucher google it, every single one of them says she resigned before the FAA could even start the investigation, but there are a few links still lurking around of aviation forums and other controllers talking about the ACTUAL events people who actually knew her personally. My cousin is a controller and sent me a photo back then from a few months after - Its a nationwide Trespass Warning and BOLO for others. It's got her name and her photo on it.

[@circuitgamer7759]

@@computer_toucher It's been 3 months and still nobody has shared a link... If there is one, have you found it, or has anyone else found it? I found one short article briefly mention it, and that's it.

[@kathleenlyle281]

Congratulations Captain Kelsey. My son-in-law is a commercial pilot and a captain and I am just as happy for you. Our family knows how hard you've worked and you seem just as kind as our son-in-law and we send Christmas blessings to you

[@abdosimon]

What a nice message. All the best for your son in law.

[@susansoper9818]

⁠congratulations and on your fourth stripe. Did you get a raise too?

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Kelsey doesn’t give a fuck

[@stellardendrite]

Congrats on the 4th bar, that's freakin' awesome! I'm ground-based EMS, and if it hadn't been hours and hours of this controller sounding this way, I'd have guessed he was having a stroke or some other neurological or diabetic/metabolic emergency. I don't know if we'll ever find out what was going on with him, but hopefully it was handled appropriately and everyone was okay!

[@phillipwells6758]

I am a retired firefighter and have been an EMT since 1980. I am also a private pilot though not current for a while. The most disturbing thing about this whole story, too me, is how no one thought to ask for someone to check on this controller for hours. Or so it seems. Very sad.

[@indahooddererste]

@@phillipwells6758 I remember this clip from VAS where an atc in Las Vegas Aiport had a stroke and they called the company to take care of that.

[@douglasphillips1203]

⁠@@indahooddererste The LAS incident wasn't a stroke. From what I read at the time it happened, they were drunk, it wasn't the first time it had happened, and the person was fired. Apparently there was a lot of other drama around it as well that was discussed on pilot forums. A lot of it was deleted for legal reasons but there are comments regarding it on that VAS video.

[@maryeckel9682]

​@@phillipwells6758exactly! I would have called in right away.

[@deeponchaudhuri106]

Neurology Resident here. Frontal lobar strokes do occur even though they are rare. It's definitely an interesting case if it is not explained by toxins and metabolic disorders.

[@ABQSentinel]

Merry Christmas, Kelsey, and congratulations again on making Captain!

[@martyrichardson8851]

Glad to see they finally gave you that 4th bar. TY for all you do keeping us informed.

[@KentTexas]

They didn't GIVE it to him! He EARNED it!!

[@MultiChrisjb]

@@KentTexas i've always wanted to own a bar.

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

@@KentTexaswas about to write that myself.

[@Vivien1501]

Whooaaa.... something extra YELLOW has landed on your shoulder's. Huge congratulations, looking 'great' Captain Kelsey!

[@comicus01]

Kelsey: I work as a RN, I think the best word you are looking for is "Altered". Altered Mental Status is often listed as the chief complaint for a patient presenting to the ER. And is sometimes the admitting diagnosis if they can't sort it out in the ER (but they will have ruled out the easy diagnoses such as a stroke or hypoglycemia). Possibilities that come to mind as to why he was altered: Alcohol, street drugs, prescription drugs, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), stroke/CVA/TIA, infection (UTIs in particular are known for making some people altered). Could even possibly be something cardiac related. My best guess is alcohol, 2nd guess is a stroke/CVA of some sort. If I were a pilot, knowing how strict airlines and the FAA are about following proper procedures, I would have been scared as hell if I were trying to land. And not sure I would have taken off either. I would have hoped that once those guys landed that they tried to call the tower or talk to airport operations. How was he ever allowed to stay up there for hours??? And congratulations on the promotion!

[@Fireandbubbles]

Night shift nurse. Sounds the most like he didn’t sleep last night, tbh.

[@mike406]

Ok so out of this huge paragraph we’ve determined that there is one out of a hundred possibilities someone could be speaking like this. Truly groundbreaking. You can’t diagnose someone based off audio alone.

[@comicus01]

@@Fireandbubbles I'm night shift as well, and I can't say I have sleepy patients sounding like that. Though I do have a friend when she's really sleep deprived will sound a bit like that controller and become a bit delirious. But he didn't sound sleepy to me.

[@comicus01]

@@mike406 We can't, correct. That's why I said the best umbrella term is "Altered". Saying someone is altered is a description of their symptoms, not a true diagnosis.

[@deeponchaudhuri106]

Neurology Resident here. I agree. Needs thorough clinical evaluation.

[@HughPlatt-g5u]

Good morning, Captain! Still so excited for you on earning the 4th bar, but now we’re worried: isn’t it tough to go from being the FO with the highest seniority to now the Captain with the least? Tell us about it, please! Wishing you happy holidays and a great new year. Blue side up, always!

[@WithmeVerissimusWhostoned]

dayum, I just noticed too! Amazing!.. Congrats Kelsey! And Merry Christmas! \o/

[@davids5006]

Yeah he's modest it seems, last 2 videos he's sporting them but not mentioned it

[@butchieblock9118]

​@@davids5006 Yes, quite true!! That's part of the reason he's so LIKABLE!!!

[@davids5006]

@@butchieblock9118 I'm guessing he's probably walking a little differently though lol I would be

[@sendthis9480]

@@davids5006 “Honey…can you take out the trash” “Ummmm…didn’t you see this 4th bar”?!?!

[@andrest2003]

I live in Quito and did flight school here at the old airport which was even higher, this was a huge shame down here and well, the guy was fired. Saludos Capitan Kelsey !

[@takane151]

Was he drunk or having some medical issue?

[@danmartens8855]

Kelsey, you are the biggest recruiter they have. They should pay you. I knew a pilot very well back in the day. He said that if a fellow pilot showed up drunk he would suddenly "acquire" a violent stomachache and leave the plane.

[@gijbuis]

Sounds as though he has experience of fellow pilots turning up drunk... sure, happens everyday!

[@imbwildrd3693]

it's pretty disgusting to know that your pilot friend had no concerns about the passengers on the airplane he was happy to let a drunk pilot fly.

[@killeverything200]

​@@imbwildrd3693He said he didn't though

[@ChadDidNothingWrong]

You sure like assuming things. Kind of being a drama queen if you aren't even gonna ask any details before getting huffy over something that probably happened before you were even born....

[@devotchkac8365]

​@@imbwildrd3693how do you know he didn't just use that as an excuse to avoid confrontation with someone under the influence, to then leave the cockpit to go notify someone?

[@Jack777760]

I am 42 years Left Seat, and I find your program both entertaining and very well presented. Please let's have lots more.

[@andreaguillade7120]

Congrats on the 4 bars!!! A few years ago I had a stroke, I had no massive symptoms, I just sounded drunk because I slurred my speech and I had a hard time finding the words I wanted to form at times, then other times I was fine, and I felt relatively fine... no weakness on one side of the body, no face muscle laxness... the kind of things you look for if you suspect a stroke... it took almost a whole day for me to realise that something might be wrong and go to the ER just in case... clinical examination cleared me, it was only after the MRI that they found out I had had quite a large ischemic stroke. Good for you to be cautious and not just assume this ATC was drunk

[@Jeffrey-rq2gq]

Same happened to me.

[@DrMarten]

CA of a B747. Congrats!!!! As a Former FA, it is always sooo wonderful to see an FO take the Right Seat!!! I've been following your channel for years and to you SIR Congratulations!!!

[@DrMarten]

Now tell us your becoming a Captain story!!!!

[@Philip_J]

Don't you mean the left seat ;D

[@paulis7319]

@@Philip_J maybe this is his day off and his turn to be drunk. 🤣

[@jenv4074]

​@@Philip_Jjust means the "correct" seat!!

[@emhoj97]

Congratulation on your promotion, CAPTAIN Kelsey 🎉 Well deserved, and wishing many happy days to come 😊

[@Parawingdelta2]

That's what nightmares are made of. My father was an air traffic controller in the Royal Air Force. He told of an occasion where a Senior Air Traffic Controller (SATCO) was in the tower on duty, He was a Polish ex WW2 fighter pilot who no longer had flying status and had assumed ATC duties. As a result of the situation on the day, this officer got so confused and exasperated he started communicating with aircrew in Polish! He was removed from his chair by subordinate staff immediately. First thing I noticed was the extra bars. Congratulations.

[@arianakbarian]

Congratulations Captain on the four stripes😉. It's an honor to be part of this journey with 74gear.

[@Gnosch]

Congratulations on your promotion to captain, very well deserved and I had tears in my eyes when I saw it! Cheers from Germany!

[@rikko9219]

wait... THOSE ARE 4 STRIPES!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Merry Christmas and happy new year Kelsey and everybody.

[@baseballmomof8]

Yes. They showed up last week. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@196cupcake]

I used to drive busses for the university bus system, and when working the "drunk bus" 10pm-2am Fri/Sat shift, you'd report at the office at 10pm but wouldn't start driving until midnight. In part, it was an incentive - watch a movie or whatever while still getting paid - but it was also so that they could make sure you were sober enough to drive the bus.

[@jort93z]

why not just do mandatory breathalyser tests?

[@M_SC]

Clever

[@M_SC]

@@jort93zyou know only the police had those until recently right? Couldn’t buy them at Walmart

[@tritontransport]

@@M_SCyep and you have to be certified to use them legally and a breathalyzer isn’t even legal admissible evidence for police since they aren’t medically certified which is why police can only use them as probable cause to arrest you then you have to go have anBAC test done by a blood test

[@tritontransport]

@@jort93zemployers can’t just give breathalyzer tests because they’re not considered proof or evidence of anything and they aren’t medical professional and those test kits can be manipulated to give false readings. They can’t even be used in court as evidence

[@patriciavankampen6136]

I'm from the Netherlands and i remember during the Covid pandemic a small plane pilot got clearance to access Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) airspace to just fly around . He took pictures and video showing a completelly desserted airport. It's was unreal to see, but for this pilot an once in a lifetime oppurtunity. When you mentioned that you could taxi at will when you where in Amsterdam i had to think of this pilot

[@modavies8401]

During the Icelandic eruptions.LBA, Bradford, closed, and refused all traffic entry. LHR London Heathrow invited any piston engined private aircraft aircraft to carry out missed approaches, with the caveat that touching the runway would result in a four figure landing fee.

[@SpaceCadet2569]

Congratulations to our very own Captain Kelsey. May your sky always be blue and your landings be soft like butter

[@larryfromtoledo]

You are my hero. Had my sights on a career towards the 747 freighter before 9/11. Made it to 727 FO and got diabetes. By the time I got it under control everything was shut down and I had to start over with a new Company. Didn't work out and now I fly via KZbin. Keep healthy!

[@JSB2500]

Oh Larry, what a life story! Something a bit similar happened to me around the same time, though I didn't get as far as you. At least you seem happy now!

[@theoriginaldude1805]

*Congratulations, Captain Kelsey for your promotion* ❤🎉❤ *You deserve every bit of it. Those 4 bars suits you perfectly* ❤

[@lessharratt8719]

Wow. YEA!!!! I don't sub to this channel, But I love it. Congratulations CAPTAIN Kelsey.

[@mysticlv1]

Congratulations on making Captain Kelsey, You made it. Great job! The Strips look good on you.

[@keithbrown9198]

I earned my PPL in the Philippines back in the 80s at Clark AB. On a dual cross-country, we were inbound to San Fernando, La Union, which had a tower, and got no answer to radio calls. We entered a right downwind and looked for light gun signals. Nothing. Now, my instructor was a helicopter pilot that served in Vietnam, so he was not about to be deterred. We landed without a clearance and taxied up to the base of the tower, shut down and walked to to the entrance and were greeted by a very drunk air traffic controller, who invited us up to the cab. There were three (or four, I don't remember exactly) with a bottle of Tanduay rum, almost empty. Apparently it was a Filipino holiday that even my instructor wasn't aware of. He asked if they had heard our radio calls. "Yes, we hear you but our radios don't work". He asked about the light gun. "She no work either." So I'm asking myself, WTF are you guys even here for?? Then they asked us for money for more rum. My instructor peeled off a 100 peso note ($4 at the time) without hesitation, after all, we had landed without clearance. Smiles all around and we departed, but not before we asked the drunk controllers if we could do so. "Sure, no problem Joe". Ay yay yay, flying in the third world is interesting.

[@ViceCityMasta]

So your instructor encouraged their dangerous behavior by giving them money for more alcohol to drink while working? That's nice

[@keithbrown9198]

@@Dennis_The_Dude Ever been there? I lived there for 3 years. My whole family is Filipino, wife and kids. I'm quite comfortable with my assessment.

[@keithbrown9198]

@@ViceCityMasta We were probably the only aircraft that would land that day. It was basically a bribe to avoid trouble. You have to understand how things work there. They couldn't talk to any airplanes nor had any way to control them. Safety was not compromised. I had more hazardous encounters with local pilots at uncontrolled airports.

[@krisk1547]

​@@Dennis_The_Dude it kinda is. Not as bad as some but there is lots of poverty and not so much for country's economy. I am still thinking to retire there. Can't afford to live in second world country canada😅

[@luminisant]

canada is first world and a whole hell of a lot better to retire in than the phillipines lol @@krisk1547

[@yammt3148]

"Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit drinking."

[@StupidusMaximusTheFirst]

🤣😂

[@madtrucker0983]

😂

[@georgiadavis8600]

Congrats on making captain. Lots of hard work finally paid off.

[@peggyh8937]

I don't understand how this could go on hours. The very first plane that had contact should have alerted someone to check on the tower. This is scary! Thanks, Kelsey and congratulations Captain! Happy Holidays to all!

[@Mebsuta]

Call me a rightoid, but I blame PC culture. You don't want to be that white guy that accuses the latino worker of being compromised in their position.

[@justiceBustamante]

I don't understand how this video can go on for what SEEMED like hours

[@mowtivatedmechanic1172]

Alert who exactly?

[@donkey7921]

@@mowtivatedmechanic1172 watch the video.

[@aserta]

@@mowtivatedmechanic1172 Dispatch, which then works their magic. Like Kelsey said. You're the pilot, you don't have to deal with this, so don't.

[@JamieMSFS]

Congrats on becoming a captain!

[@UTarcher72]

4 bars, and you let your hair grow out!! Outstanding work Kelsey! Keep up the good work!!

[@dantemoose420]

Just recently discovered your channel, been spending the last week binge watching it while studying for my O&P'S. Gotta say, you've got a *very* soothing voice to study to. Thanks for making these, as a maintenance tech, it's interesting to see more of the pilots side of things.

[@DillandShaj]

Just wanna say the video production quality and the animations have improved massively, it's impressive! Also congratulations on your 4th stripe!

[@mishkamcivor409]

Astounded that not a single pilot that flew in or out of that airport whilst this was ongoing for at least an hour thought to let anyone know what was going on, if this controller was having a stroke or diabetic emergency he could have died without prompt medical attention not to mention any of the issues of having someone clearly impaired from their job controlling comercial traffic. Hope the guy was ok and glad nothing bad happened in the meantime.

[@sunshineflyer]

It is unbelievably strange.

[@hadevos]

Exactly what I was thinking. Apparently the pilots are so used to almost inaudible controllers (which often amazes me) that this doesn't alarm them.

[@anteshell]

@@hadevos Inaudible? Do you mean incomprehesive? The sound volume has nothing to do with this, and if the tower speaks too quietly, there is volume controllers in the plane to compensate.

[@EricLondaits]

I guess it's because they decided to take off or land... so now they have to claim nothing was off, otherwise they would be responsible for the decision they made, in knowing that the ATC was incapacitated to perform their task. Really bad.

[@hadevos]

​@@anteshell - I used the same word as used in the transcripts in the video (see 10:08 for example). But I have to say I was already doubting about using this word, because I thought of the same meaning you are mentioning. However, one could debate that this is not about comprehending, because that would come after you hear what the controller is saying. In this case you hear that the controller is saying something, but you don't hear what he is saying, let alone comprehend what he means.

[@lawsonic]

You're not a doctor, but you are, now a Captain!

[@Les__Mack]

I'm always drunk when I watch your videos so this is right up my alley! Thanks for another great video!

[@johnstreet797]

You might consider flying for underground airways, "the impossible way to fly"

[@eduardootero2953]

Congrats Capt. Kelsey! The best of luck and God speed on all your flights.

[@TheFreaker86]

Reminds me of the incident that happened at Las Vegas International Airport a few years ago. The controller was not with her senses. Which prompted a pilot to make someone look after her up there

[@kamikazinyc]

Whoa, congrats captain, just noticed the extra strip!❤

[@MikeOhhMinerals]

Congratulations on the left seat Kelsey! This situation is important as we constantly evaluate our information that’s transmitted. Excellent video!

[@waynekotyk5233]

Congrats on #4. Well deserved. Looks great on you. I am a retired first responder and it was always a proud moment getting an advanced epaulet or medal. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Fly safe!

[@Chefin243]

I've missed only this single video and missed the most important part: Captain Kelsey! 👏👍 Congratulations, such a wonderful milestone! Always have safe landings! 😊

[@mish130]

"As far as I'm aware, a plane has never won a battle against a mountain". Kelsey, you crack me up. LOL

[@enigmawyoming5201]

CAPTAIN KELSEY! ! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉!

[@AV8R_1]

I saw a similar video about another air traffic controller, a female who was sounding very drunk over the radio, and the pilots on the frequency opted to call somebody to help her, and it turned out she was having a stroke and didn't know it. Poor thing.

[@baseballmomof8]

I think Kelsey ran that video a year or so ago. Sad situation.

[@jaredmickel5636]

That was Las Vegas. In that case the pilots really stepped up and started controlling themselves in a quasi-Unicom fashion, while getting help for the controller.

[@timmack2415]

What we know for sure about the Las Vegas incident is: The controller was left alone in the tower. She was fresh out of her second stay at in-patient rehab. She resigned her position instead of taking paid medical leave. By her resignation, she forfeited her medical benefits, supposedly when she'd most needed them. A BOLO was issued stating that she was not allowed on airport property. While no official report was released, a reasonable person could look between the lines and judge for themselves.

[@mclawyerlasvegas]

If it was Las Vegas, she had a stroke.

[@robbob8617]

It actually wasn’t a stroke if you’re talking about Las Vegas

[@FredFolkerts]

AMAZING explanation on what is going on, what a pilot is expecting, and your facial expressions when something doesn't sound right is spot on.

[@lynnstevenson11]

I worked in jersey CI as a youngster and always served the last flight pilots in the hotel. These guys could put the whiskey away. … drinking until 2/3 am and away to airport for first flights. Mental. Wish I had confidence all those years ago to refuse alcohol . I was just a 18 yr old kid . Wee question. Is there random breathalyser’ tests for pilots ? Great work captain Kelsey 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

Love your channel ❤

[@Dudee78]

Congratulations Captain Kelsey!!!!!!!!!!! Very proud of you.

[@mapratt]

The fact that this went on for hours is amazing. Yes, someone should have reached out to their dispatch and raised the concern

[@cloudstreets1396]

Here's the thing. If operations stop to check in on the tower controller, that could mean massive delays and/or cancellations. Who knows if anyone else is even around. It seems like the weather was VFR, it's a smaller airport and not super busy. If you can get out of there safely and get on with an approach controller that is not impaired, then you are all set. I'm sure the other aircraft were listening to the conversations going on and had a sense of where everyone was. I would just verify routing in the air. It's a really tough situation, but the guys on the ground looking to leave are definitely thinking about being stuck in Ecuador.

[@gingerman5123]

@@cloudstreets1396I’d take massive delays over dead people 🤷‍♂️

[@oldRighty1]

Yeah wondering how a pilot who landed didn't get off the plane and march up the tower.

[@douglasphillips1203]

I know of a case like this (not airline related) where there _were_ reports made, and they were told "we are getting someone on it", but that still took several hours to resolve, and that was in the US. So it's entirely possible in this case that someone had been notified, they just didn't have someone that could get there in time. Orrrr they said "yeah we'll get on it" and just did nothing. Either way the pilots are in a rock and a hard spot.

[@DeltaEntropy]

There’s not much US dispatch can for a controller in Ecuador. Just getting a translator would take longer than the aircraft has fuel for.

[@rhennaostrander5910]

Someone should have called to see what the heck was going on with this controller. If something would’ve happened, I think they would’ve felt guilty for not doing anything.

[@jaysmith1408]

Like in Vegas, they went to CTAF operations while some airline dispatcher called the medics

[@clockworkvanhellsing372]

Yeah, I really don't understand how this could go on for hours without someone (like the pilots in the delta plane waiting to taxi) calling emergency services or somebody at all to check on the tower. It reminds me of the controller who had a heart attack, if nobody had cecked on her, she could have easily died.

[@DaBoaringDragon]

@@clockworkvanhellsing372Do we know they didn’t call it in? Could be they did, but everything else in the chain of getting that guy out of there got bogged down somehow?

[@clockworkvanhellsing372]

@@DaBoaringDragon that is a possibility, but still having this going on for multiple hours is bad. I'd expect an ambulance or the airport firefighters to be faster than that.

[@Catpanl]

@@clockworkvanhellsing372it’s not America. Life is so important down there.

[@annenourse1657]

Thank you very much for your videos from an older lady who is afraid to fly. Your intelligent presentations, clear explanations & sense of humor make your videos fun to watch. I hope now that you are a captain you will still have time to make more Air Traffic Controllers vs. Pilots videos. I also love your voice over lady & her funny comments.

[@SusanCote-n7z]

Thank you for your explaining things so clearly to us non-pilots! I hate flying, have almost crashed in a huge wind storm on a small charter in the San Juan Islands where all the alarms went off and our pilot yelled "HANG ON". Charter service shut down after our landing on a tree lined grass runway. The more knowledge I have, which you have helped me with, the better I feel. Still hate flying though.

[@ElijahPerrin80]

I was a dispatcher when I began getting migraines and it was a very confusing time for me and my cabs, going from being an acceptable dispatcher to garbage in waves and I was unaware and getting angry. Very odd for me. I hope he is ok.

[@ElijahPerrin80]

@@RiDankulous it is slowly getting better but very slowly

[@desmond-hawkins]

Wow. I landed in Quito a few years ago, and found the approach pretty scary with this late turn just over the mountains. It's already a challenging landing, I think I would have been even more worried thinking that the ATC controller was impaired…

[@indahooddererste]

Also hot and high engine characteristics deterioate massivley.

[@vicpz1]

How long ago did you land in Quito? They changed airports to the current one. The old one was very very scary with late turns on mountain etc.

[@desmond-hawkins]

​@@vicpz1 Interesting! I didn't know, thanks for mentioning this. I see that it changed in 2013, I went in ~2009 (maybe "a few years ago" wasn't quite the right way to put it). It looks like the new one is on more of a plateau, whereas the previous one was in the middle of the city. I can confirm the "very very scary" comment, with a late (left?) turn around a mountain to line up and then quickly touch down and brake super hard. It was certainly the scariest landing I've experienced. *edit:* Wow, the list of accidents on the Wikipedia page for the old airport is nuts.

[@annlidslot8212]

@@desmond-hawkins Hi, I'm with you that. 2009 WAS a few years ago, but then I'm getting older by the day. Very rude of life, sneaking that on you there while you're busy with stuff. As the end user of aviation in this channel's comment section, I'd still rather stay on the ground than having all the (what 5 or so?) pilots around, trying to ATC themselves to a good solution. Except if I'm in the plane in the air. If the people up front don't have enough gas to divert to somewhere safer, I might agree with a decision of calling everybody up saying something like "Hey everybody! I'm in the air and I need to come down right now, or there are going to be some very surprised llamas shortly. Everybody stay where you are right now, 'cus I'm coming DOooooown!!..." After that I would be glad to shake the drivers hand (always at least two, right?) (drivers that is. Hands too usually but not as relevant.) on my way out, and then try to find ground transportation out of the place. Yours, Ann

[@RPSchonherr]

Have you ever flown into Tegucigalpa, Honduras? I was a passenger on a plane flying into there and it was scary. Short runway, surrounded by mountains and the runway ended in a drop-off. The approach is to circle in a few laps to get down to the final and brake hard once you land. Lots of pucker on that one.

[@muskiet8687]

What kills me is that since this is clearly a dangerous situation, it still went on for hours. He could be having a medical emergency or sent a plane into the mountains. A plane could be having an emergency and having to rely on this guy to get them down and get fire trucks to the runway. Sure, he's up there alone, but you can't tell me any of these pilots that had to deal with him couldn't call a number and get help up there faster than a few frickin' hours. Looks like they just decided they didn't want to deal with it and get the heck out of there.

[@adc19671]

Hi, Kelsey! Im not sure why I find you so entertaining, but I do. I'm scared to death of flying. It isn't natural. Man has no business in the sky, but I sure like watching your content. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

[@Ifollowtheway7]

Finally!! Wao! So proud of you Capt. Kelsey... We're all so proud of you. Always remember to "keep the blue side up" lol!

[@factzilla1868]

seems more likely to be a medical issue or extreme fatigue than a controller making the career-ending (and probably criminal) decision to turn up drunk. also hypoxia/mountain sickness can occur in even healthy individuals at Quito's altitude

[@ACME_Kinetics]

Altitude sickness, maybe if he just moved there. If he lives there he should be acclimated. People who live at higher altitudes have more red blood cells and many other adaptations. A lot of athletes train at high altitudes for this reason .

[@Roads_of_Europe]

Drunk. Search for it. The authorities tried to cover it up.

[@andrewwayne777]

You think too highly of humans. He's obviously drunk. There have been an astounding number of controllers fired world wide for showing up drunk. There was a high profile one in Las Vegas just this year. The female tower controller was 3 sheets to the wind and yelling at people and swearing and laughing and talking nonsense. Then there was another in Cali Colombia where she was so drunk she forgot how to speak any English and carried on in Spanish for hours and none of the international flights could understand her.

[@chrisschack9716]

@@andrewwayne777 I didn't think the one in Cali was drunk, just was under too much pressure and started to lose her English due to it, so worked with the aircraft she still could and ended up in trouble for it. This was due to multiple diversions from nearby.

[@factzilla1868]

​@@ACME_Kinetics actually mountain sickness can and does occur suddenly in people who've lived at altitude all their life. at 10K feet your body is constantly working on 30% less oxygen which is good for cardiovascular fitness in healthy individuals but is also known to adversely affect mortality when diseases progress. many things affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood including fitness, fatigue, diabetes, respiratory infection, dehydration, inflammation... it's almost quicker to list the things that don't, hence why oxygen saturation is an important vital sign for your overall condition. hypoxia is just the threshold at which there's symptomatic deficiency in tissue oxygenation which varies from person to person and all of those factors effectively lower the maximum altitude that an individual can tolerate.

[@BugSmasher9]

Congrats Captain Kelsey! I have been waiting for this moment for a long time! Well Done!😀

[@AusNetFan13]

Greetings Kelsey. Again, congratulations on becoming a Captain. You deserve it. Wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be safe out there during this season. 🎄🎊👍

[@theophrastus3.056]

Congratulations on your promotion. An interesting scenario, but yes, the use of “we don’t feel safe” is appropriate for those taking off. The one coming in to land has a more difficult situation.

[@Art_64]

Congratulations Captain! Well deserved! Fly safe! 🎉

[@bubbaoriley7864]

The FAA started alcohol testing controllers back in the 90's with zero tolerance for >.04BAC(immediate dismissal). Prior to that it was quite common for the ATC facility to smell like a brewery mostly due to controllers coming in still drunk from the night before, but a few were hard core alcoholics who drank on the job. Alcohol testing didn't eliminate the problem, but did cut back on it tremendously. Don't know what was going on here, but it wouldn't surprise me if the problem is still widespread in countries that don't have such rigid protocols for alcohol testing.

[@kaasmeester5903]

Yikes. Even keeping to the 10 hours "bottle to throttle" or whatever the equivalent for ATCs is, if you had a couple of good ones the evening before, or if you drink regularly, it can still affect your performance the next day. Well beyond those 10 hours.

[@alanm5013]

I thought about training to be ATC but decided my aged brain doesn't have the ability any more to juggle that many things at once and make the correct decisions 100% of the time, even sober. It's hard to imagine how anyone could do it impaired!

[@mytech6779]

@@alanm5013 You can only start training if you are under 30.

[@squidleyskidley]

Four hours can literally be the difference between being able to get a clot-busting medication to reverse damage from a stroke or it being too late. Scary! I really hope this person is okay.

[@MetsterAnn]

If it’s a hemmorhagic stroke there is no drug that will help. It’s not caused from a clot but a brain bleed. Seems most thought he was drunk since nobody called anybody, and that’s sad. If he was drunk, he should be fired and if he was in a medical emergency, he should be helped.

[@squidleyskidley]

@@MetsterAnn yes, although the vast majority of strokes are ischemic, not hemorrhagic. So it’s more likely that time mattered.

[@maryeckel9682]

The golden window! I hope this guy is ok

[@annlidslot8212]

@@MetsterAnnHear, hear! Yours, Ann

[@jilpok1074]

I have a feeling this was not a stroke. Low blood sugar perhaps. Or perhaps he took some medication that he didn’t know how he would react to. It is hard to imagine that he is drunk, but that’s also a possibility.

[@LReBe7]

Congratulations on the fourth bar! I am not at all connected to the aviation industry, but I noticed immediately because I have been watching a lot of your videos! I love your videos, they make me feel like I want to be a pilot when I grow up (for reference: I am a 33 year old telecoms engineer and I could never do the constant jet lagged sleeping schedule).

[@ajnathan9490]

IMPAIRED is the word you're grasping for (doesn't unnecessarily accuse him of being drunk whilst still conveying that he is not (for wateva reason) functioning appropriately. Ps live your humorous banter 😂

[@nahwaalnoorahdheen185]

Congratulations Captain Kelsey! iam currently studing to get my CPL license. you have been a great inspiration on my journey.

[@Farnsworth11]

Lots of medical emergencies can make you seem "drunk." Diabetes, stroke, infection etc need to be considered.

[@izzieb]

Viral meningitis is one such infection that is often mistaken for being drunk. I have personally known people who have died from it due to it being mistaken for them being drunk.

[@allenking4682]

As a diabetic who's had a couple of low sugar episodes, I would probably rule that out. He was this way for several hours. When your sugar gets low, it only takes maybe 30 minutes before you're unconscious or so incapacitated that you can't even speak.

[@Farnsworth11]

@allenking4682 I would not rule it out based on that. Hypoglycemia effects are a spectrum and every diabetic is different.

[@diveforknowledge]

While true, this is a concern for the medics to address in person, not the pilot over the radio. I'm an EMT and a pilot, so I'd say I'm qualified to say the proper response is to: 1) refuse to accept the clearance, 2) call EMS to report a "impaired controller at XXXX airport, possible medical emergency" 3) call any management contacts at the airport and or airline and report "impaired controller on the ground/tower frequency, possible medical emergency. Please advise." The critical part of that statement is that it's a "possible medical emergency." Stating the possibility of medical rather than assuming alcohol triggers the "send help immediately" response rather than the "cover your ass and minimize liability" response. Plus drunks tend to be more cooperative with fire and EMS than with police. If only marginally.

[@annlidslot8212]

@@izzieb I heard about that. I'm sorry that you had to learn about it too. Yours, Ann

[@jamestoepfer7601]

I see your epaulets are sporting 4 bars now. Congratulations on your upgrade, Captain Kelsey! Well deserved!

[@wizardmix]

I've got to say that for as much of a culture of safety the commercial aviation industry is, it disheartens me how many flight crews are tolerating this controller's incapacitation. There are so many discreet ways this could have been handled and it's not just in the interest of everyone's safety, on the ground and in the air, it should be a genuine concern for the controller himself who could "sound drunk" but be dealing with any number of life-threatening issues. It's clear to any sober person that this is an incredible safety issue, one that should have closed the airport but for hours this controller was allowed to slur and fumble. Again, I find this sad and honestly just as much of a safety violation for the flight crews allowing this controller to continue operating. There is absolutely no way a controller would overlook a drunk sounding Captain or FO who is misreading callbacks and fumbling like this. PS -- congratulations, Captain. Nice to see those extra stripes.

[@johnsrabe]

Exactly. The people who were NOT incapacitated should gave stepped up and taken responsibility, not hoped/assumed someone else would do it.

[@profonde3460]

@@johnsrabe Many small regional aerodromes often have only 1 ATC in the tower. The other ATC may be on their break, elsewhere, or doing other duties, as, in small regional aerodromes they don't only do ATC. There was a woman ATC a few years ago who sounded drunk, but was actually having a "slow" Stroke. A Stroke can occur over several hours, even 2-3 days some times). The woman was in the Tower by herself at a mid-size airport, as the other ATO was on lunch break. Only 2 ATOs on duty, as happens at nearly all airports that aren't major ones. A pilot, eventually got a call/msg to somewhere/someone else at the airport (more than just the radio, to send communications), & person contacted came to the tower & alerted the ATO on break, to the issue..

[@dylandepetro4187]

@@johnsrabe I agree. It is the mentality of “oh, someone else will step up and do it” that ensures nothing gets done. The right mentality to have is “someone’s gotta get the ball rolling, might as well be me” in a majority of situations.

[@matthewhall5571]

⁠@@profonde3460it wasn't just a midsized one. It was McCarran, #7 in the US. ATC shortages are a big current and future problem in the US right now. They often don't have enough personnel for odd hours staffing safety redundancies that they probably should. It's a rock and a hard place.

[@kayelle8005]

Yes. I kept thinking it could be a stroke or any other number of neurological issues and that alerting medical should be a priority, even if it means using your mobile to contact emergency services. I have an illness that comes on suddenly and can make me look like I’m drunk. My proprioception fails so I’ll start staggering and I’ll often fall over. My speech is often affected as well. I don’t slur my words but I stutter or it’s very halting and my eyes stop being able to track left and right or up and down and I get very light sensitive. If I happen to be in public when this happens and I fall over, no one comes and helps me. They either don’t care or they assume I’m drunk. It’s super disappointing.

[@jameshughes7953]

Congrats Kelsey , Four (4) bars. Impressed and well deserved I’m sure. You know, my last name is Hughes as well and I too used to fly regional out of IAD & DCA.

[@English_Fun_for_Kids]

Hey congrats on becoming Captain Kelsey! Nice addition to the three you wore before. Well deserved🎉🎉🎉

[@johnolsen7073]

Congrats Captain Kelsey, Enjoy the change of view. I was asked the drunk captain question a my interview and had it happen once. Please describe your first day in the left seat. Mine was exciting for the wrong reasons. Merry Christmas.

[@simuler]

Just noticed the 4th stripe on your shoulder, big Congratulations Kelsey for your promotion to a Captain! And thank you for the interesting video!

[@ryukyusun]

Captain Kelsey, Congratulations. Well deserved! It's not hard to see that you are a non-bias, loving, hardworking, and reasonable man. God Bless you and your family!! Thank you for bringing us 74 Gear!!

[@joycetsai5106]

Congrats, Captain Kelsey! Thank you for all the informative and entertaining videos! I started following you 5 years ago when I was considering piloting school.

[@JH_789]

The thing that makes alcohol terrible is that people don't think it's terrible. Thinking you're drunk but functional is what usually causes problems, not being drunk in and of itself. Also, excellent job pointing out that many other things can sound like drunkenness.

[@dfeuer]

I remember there was a serious situation a couple years ago with a (female, IIRC) controller who had a serious medical problem (stroke maybe?) while on duty. It took a while for people to figure out that she was badly impaired and to get her off the air.

[@sallygough5409]

I am SO very proud of both you and those 4 bars Kelsey! Well done - you’ve done so well and worked hard. Congratulations and a very happy and blessed Christmas 😁🤗👍❣️❣️

[@DRV-mt5dd]

Thanks for the video, captain. Congrats. I must say I am disappointed that nobody openly addressed this obviously unacceptable situation. (But maybe they actually did and we don't know it from the radio conversations. At least I sure as heck hope they did).

[@joshmulder5249]

that was my first thought too

[@cherveny]

I appreciate your videos. so many aviation posters just provide the voice channel audio, and no feedback or minimal feedback. your in depth explanations really help us laymen understand when we have only a cursory understanding

[@RickSjoerds]

Captain Kelsey! Whoop whoop! I thought I saw something different , was about to ask! But I read comments also, was not the only one haha Congratulations, man! Well deserved!🎉

[@hsbvt]

I think your company needs to send you to recruiting events...Happy Holidays everyone! Enjoy a cup of cheer...(as long as you are on the ground!) Take care everyone!

[@seagullsbtn]

Congrats on the fourth stripe! Fantastic. Enjoy your next Quito flight.

[@donbangert]

My concern is leaving that ATC there unchecked. Sure, you may have gotten in/out unscathed, but what about other unsuspecting flights?

[@60jscott]

Even though he was alone in the tower, apparently, he also talked to his center and TRACON (I assume) controllers via landlines. They should hav noticed his apparent impairment and reported this to get someone there to see what is going on in person. And congrats on your 4th bar!

[@Purple_Pajamas_Glo]

I think it was Vas Aviation that did a video on this specific ATC and it was confirmed that this guy was beyond drunk and it wasn't the first time. He was fired obviously but not before he almost caused a fatal accident between two planes. There is another one with a female ATC and rapidly the pilots could hear her speech getting slurred and she started choking while trying to clear a few planes for take off and what not and it took one pilot to say, "WTF is going on? Are you okay? We're not moving until someone else gets up there and checks on her." Turns out when the other ATC got back from lunch a short time later he found her on the ground and barely conscious and she was actually having a stroke. He immediately took over and let the pilots know what was going on and that she was getting medical attention. You can tell between these two the very obvious differences of him being drunk and her going from normal speech to slurred speech and her choking.

[@MotJ949]

If this guy was having a medical event, they all did him dirty by not getting help to him.

[@elduderino1635]

Underappreciated comment!

[@codymoe4986]

"they all did him dirty by not getting help to him" They, as in, the pilots???

[@MotJ949]

@@codymoe4986 yes, someone should have called for help, the controller was obviously not OK. There’s another ATC video floating around the internet where the controller was having a stroke and the pilots called for someone else in the tower to check on them. Time saves brain.

[@james-p]

We don't know, but they probably did call to report the problem. It wouldn't be on the ATC tapes.

[@onerider808]

Yeah, ‘they’ were all sitting in the break room laughing. They knew he was having trouble and just did him dirty, lol. WTF?

[@Montana_horseman]

I was watching and in the back of my mind thought.. has he always had 4 bars?? Comments confirmed that nuance for me. Congratulations Kelsey! I have around 3 pilots I can say I have massive respect for and would fly anywhere with, no matter how sketchy. You are one of those 3.

[@julzb7165]

Congratulations Captain Kelsey 🎉🥳👏

[@marlagryboski4685]

Congratulations on your 4th bar Kelsey! I always enjoy your videos.

[@Fee212]

Congratulations again, Captain Hughes. You did it! I'm so happy for you. Hooray for Kelsey. I remember hearing on 74Gear the ATC lady having the stroke. It was so scary. xXx

[@traestuart384]

Looks like you're really trying to keep the facade authentic looking by stepping up to a captain's costume lol. Awesome and congratulations!

[@maryeckel9682]

😅

[@aaronbeaulieu6086]

All I want for Christmas is 8 gold bars. 4 on each shoulder. Congratulations, Captain Kelsey. Always Faithful, Always Forward Aaron Beaulieu

[@ShaunPuzon]

Congratulations, captain! Happy holidays, Kelsey, and thank you for all the awesome videos!

[@sharoncassell5273]

CVA as mentioned by the Nurse stands for cerebral vascular accident. Brain insult or injury, bleeding in vessels internally. Medical is full, overrun with a anacronyms, abbreviation of phrases. There's always pressure and rushing so it's quicker and easier to say in a hurry. It seems unacceptable but it's common practice.

[@sidkemp4672]

I'm puzzled this went on for hours. Did no pilot landing or taking off think to put in a call to a dispatcher or mention a concern to air traffic control once they had changed frequencies?