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John Oliver on current aviation safety system: ‘It is just asking for trouble’

The Last Week Tonight host looks into the shortage of US air traffic controllers, forced to work on outdated equipment

“If I had to pick adjectives that I would like to describe air traffic controllers in charge of my flight, ‘well-rested’ would be near the top of the list, along with ‘highly paid’ and possibly even ‘erotically thrilled by the concept of planes landing safely’. For one thing, it’s a very difficult job, with strict requirements for eligibility, including no history of heart disease, high or low blood pressure, and psychosis, neurosis or any personality or mental disorder. The facilities aren’t much better, with some staff reporting elevator malfunctions that force them to climb hundreds of stairs to work, bees and biting flies harassing controllers, and radar systems cooled down by rotary fans.

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