The 9-11 Challenge from Inside the FAA

Reflecting on the day of the attacks after 25 years, this presentation will reveal the considerations surrounding the immediate decision to close all airspace in the United States for the only time in our nation’s history. Equally important, will be an explanation of the weeks-long national security deliberations to incrementally reopen the air traffic control system and restore the benefits of air travel for the American people.

Steve Brown managed the air traffic control system for the United States from 1998 to 2004. During his service at the Federal Aviation Administration, as the Associate Administrator for Air Traffic Services, he managed a staff of more than 35,000 individuals with an annual budget of $10 billion. As a commercial pilot, he has more than 3,000 hours of flight experience across five continents and 25 aircraft types.