Ben Sliney

Ben Sliney is a former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) national operations manager who played a crucial role in responding to the September 11 attacks in 2001. On that day, Sliney made the unprecedented decision to ground all commercial air traffic in the United States, working closely with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This decision was made in consultation with other key officials, including Norm Mineta, the United States Secretary of Transportation at the time, and Jane Garvey, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator. Sliney's actions were also influenced by the events unfolding at the World Trade Center in New York City, where American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 had crashed into the Twin Towers.

● Early Life and Education

Ben Sliney grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and developed an interest in aviation from a young age, inspired by pioneers like the Wright brothers and Charles Lindbergh. He attended Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he studied business administration and graduated in 1975. After completing his education, Sliney began his career in the aviation industry, working with companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and later joining the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1984. During his time at the FAA, Sliney worked closely with other government agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was established in response to the USA PATRIOT Act.

● Career

Sliney's career at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spanned over two decades, during which he held various positions, including air traffic control specialist and national operations manager. In his role as national operations manager, Sliney was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the National Airspace System (NAS), working closely with air traffic controllers and other stakeholders, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Sliney also collaborated with international organizations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to ensure the safe and efficient operation of air traffic worldwide. His experience and expertise in aviation management were recognized by his peers, including Robert Mueller, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Tom Ridge, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.

● Grounding of Flights on 9/11

On September 11, 2001, Sliney was on duty at the FAA Command Center in Herndon, Virginia, when the September 11 attacks occurred. As the events unfolded, Sliney made the decision to ground all commercial air traffic in the United States, a move that was unprecedented in the history of aviation. This decision was made in consultation with other key officials, including Norm Mineta, the United States Secretary of Transportation at the time, and Jane Garvey, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator. Sliney's actions were also influenced by the events unfolding at the World Trade Center in New York City, where American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 had crashed into the Twin Towers. The grounding of flights was a critical response to the attacks, and it helped to prevent further hijackings, working in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

● Aftermath and Legacy

The decision to ground all commercial air traffic on September 11, 2001, had a significant impact on the aviation industry and the United States as a whole. In the aftermath of the attacks, Sliney worked closely with other government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to investigate the attacks and implement new security measures. Sliney's actions on September 11, 2001, were widely recognized, and he was praised by officials, including George W. Bush, the President of the United States at the time, and Dick Cheney, the Vice President of the United States. Sliney's legacy continues to be felt in the aviation industry, and his decision to ground all commercial air traffic on September 11, 2001, is still studied by aviation professionals and security experts around the world, including those at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Personal Life

After retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2002, Sliney has continued to be involved in the aviation industry, working as a consultant and advisor to various companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Sliney has also been recognized for his contributions to aviation safety and security, receiving awards from organizations such as the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Sliney's story has also been featured in various media outlets, including CNN, NBC News, and the New York Times, and he has been interviewed by journalists, including Anderson Cooper and Lester Holt. Despite his significant contributions to the aviation industry, Sliney remains humble and dedicated to his work, continuing to advocate for aviation safety and security in his personal and professional life, working with organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Category:Aviation