The air traffic controller is close to a collision in front of the Supreme Court

Because he gave permission to take off two planes at the same time, a 36-year old air traffic controller must meet today before Wednesday in front of the Zurich District Court. His mistake of March 2011 almost caused the fall of two Airbus machines.

The Skyguide employee gave two aircraft with a one-to-one take-off clearance, with more than 260 passengers on board, but on two flights that intersect.

The pilots of the only machine thankfully recognized the danger and stopped the launch just in time. In addition, the pilot ordered that the departure be interrupted, but only with hindsight. In the cockpit of the other machine, the danger went unnoticed.

The Bülach District Court had the air traffic controllers, who are now working in the context of air traffic control, in December 2016, but were acquitted. The court could not find the pilot guilty of something that did not happen. The court also expressed its understanding of the pilot's stressful work situation.

The court then criticized the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (OFAC). In case of accident, it is not the drivers who are responsible, but the complicated situation at Zurich Airport. OFAC takes responsibility for the slopes that intersect.

However, the Crown is seeking a conviction for negligent disruption of public transportation, which is why it brought the case to the High Court. She claims a conditional fine of 180 per diem rates of 100 francs.

This case is the first in Switzerland where an air traffic controller must legally respond to an incident, even if no one has been injured. In the event of a guilty verdict, Air Traffic Control is concerned about Skyguide's culture of reporting fouls.

It assumes that errors are reported less often for fear of legal consequences. Recognizing and learning weak points would be more difficult.

Meanwhile, a second similar case is pending before the Bülach District Court. Again, there is a piloting error that would have almost led to a collision of two aircraft.

However, the court did not want to rule after the September trial. He wants to first consult the expert in more detail. This will be the case in January 2019. (SDA)