'Rent of diversity?' Air traffic controller argues with veteran pilot because he “googled” how to land

While no one would argue that the answer to many of the universe's questions can be found in a Google search, it's probably best not to use the search engine when you're trying to land a plane.

But that's what happened at a small airport in Texas when Google was invoked in the search for the definition of a landing term.

Popular TikTok account Libs on X initially shared an audio clip published by a YouTube account of the “terrifying” incident that occurred at what is likely Denton Enterprise Airport.

“An air traffic controller argues with a pilot who has flown for 15 years about a landing and says she googled it because she's right and knows better,” the Libs of TikTok post read. “Who wants to bet she was a diversity hire?”

Holy smokes this is terrifying. An air traffic controller argues with a pilot who has been flying for 15 years about a landing and says he “googled it” because he's right and knows better.

This happened at DTO, a small airport in Texas.

Who wants to bet she was a diversity hire?… pic.twitter.com/jyiXs2rLYT

— Libs from TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 11, 2024

In the audio clip, the air traffic controller can be heard chastising the pilot about the meaning of “short approach” and lecturing him on its proper use, saying, “if you're doing anything other than a short approach, don't ask for a short approach”.

“Well, I'll definitely look up the definition of short approach,” the pilot replied, making it clear that the controller had a different view than the norm.

“Well, I googled it, actually,” he retorted.

“Ok, then I apologize for asking for trouble,” the pilot replied, adding that his seasoned use of the term “short approach” is “definitely not what it means here.”

The controller was apparently reported in a change.org petition calling for its removal.

Apparently this air traffic controller who “googled” how to land has a history of being argumentative and unprofessional. @cityofdentontx @GregAbbott_TX @michaelcburgess @RepLynnStucky @DrewSpringer https://t.co/umaN5b72Z7

— Libs from TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 11, 2024

“As a training pilot at KDTO Airport, I have personally experienced the unprofessional and argumentative behavior of Brenda Mooney, an air traffic controller,” Garrett Martin wrote on the petition page.

“His actions are not only endangering the safety of pilots, but are also damaging the reputation of our city, Denton. He has reached a point where his conduct is drawing national attention, an unfortunate circumstance that does not reflect well on our community,” the message continued.

“Brenda's constant arguments with student and professional pilots have created a negative atmosphere at the KDTO airport. This situation has caused many corporate and area pilots to avoid this airport altogether, which in turn is hurting local businesses and fuel sales,” stated Martin.

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida, where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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