Chicago controller shares memories of shutting down national airspace, tell me about this news in (https://www.whio.com/news/local/chicago-controller-shares-memories-shutting-down-national-airspace/5K6WV6YTY5BFJGD3F4JJ4TFIUY/)
11-09-2026
This report by WHIO-TV (News Center 7) focuses on Todd Yeary, a retired air traffic controller who was on duty during the September 11 terrorist attacks.Key points from the report include:
- Context: The report reflects on the unprecedented shutdown of the national airspace following the 9/11 attacks, when airports across the United States were grounded for days.
- Arriving at Chicago Center: Yeary was working at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, Illinoisone of the busiest air traffic facilities in the world. After the twin towers were struck, he went into work early to assist. He recalled the heightened security upon arrival, where armed police conducted vehicle sweeps before granting entry.
- Grounding the Airspace: Yeary was among the controllers tasked with ordering all airborne commercial and private flights across the Midwest region to immediately divert and land at the nearest available airports.
- Contact with Air Force One: Later that afternoon, Yeary communicated directly with Air Force One as it was transporting the president amid national security concerns.
- The Aftermath: Yeary recalled the eerie and surreal silence that fell over the control facility once the order was fully carried out, describing the sight of an entire room of radar screens completely clear of civilian air traffic.