Recent layoffs at NOAA's Office of Aircraft Operations, particularly involving two flight directors crucial for the Hurricane Hunters, strike a blow to effective hurricane data collection. With only six flight directors remaining—down from a desired number of ten—NOAA risks fewer flight missions during critical times. This reduction could lead to diminished monitoring capabilities, undermining storm prediction efforts and potentially impacting public safety during hurricane events. The situation highlights a precarious balance in staffing levels necessary for effective operational continuity in severe weather.
With the loss of two flight directors, NOAA is down to just six of these key crew members. This will barely be enough to keep the planes in the air for the twice-daily flights that occur during a significant hurricane threat.
NOAA had aimed to have 10 flight director positions filled. But after she and another flight director were terminated, that left just six.
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