AUSTIN, Texas — We are learning more about a close call involving a fighter jet at Austin's airport.
An F-18 military jet flew too close to other aircraft on Sept. 23. This is the third close call under investigation at Austin's airport this year.
One aviation attorney, Mike Slack, said air space management around the Austin airport is complex due to the wide array of aircraft. There is cargo aircraft, large cargo aircraft and brand new pilots with instructors flying in and out, as well as a large population of civilian aircraft.
When listening to the audio recordings of what happened, Slack said there needs to be some way pilots of civilian aircraft can overhear what military pilots are saying to air traffic controllers.
"It would certainly help safety if they did, while the other thing is that, just to be aware, is that it's my understanding that Austin is still a training facility for air traffic controllers that come to Austin and train under experienced controllers. We don't know what controllers were on duty working these aircraft," Slack said.
Aviation consultant Pete Burgess specializes in air traffic control and said a lack of clear coordination between controllers can lead to issues.
"You're operating up there as a team and the team mark is very important as an air traffic controller because we're all human and more susceptible to making mistakes. That's why the team effort in a control tower and the approach control is so important," Burgess said.
This is the third "close call" under investigation at Austin's airport this year. Back in June, an Allegiant Airlines flight had to change course when it came close to a small plane. In February, a FedEx cargo plane had to change course after trying to land on a runway where a Southwest Airlines plane was taking off. The planes came within 100 feet of each other.
The FAA has not said which branch of the military the F-18 belongs to. More details are expected to be released in the report in the next few months.