Don Brown
@gettheflick.bsky.social
Retired ATC (ZTL) -- NATCA founding member
Amateur Photographer
Joe Biden Democrat
Should have been a cowboy.
Ask an ATC question (or about a Photography Park) at your peril.
Amateur Photographer
Joe Biden Democrat
Should have been a cowboy.
Ask an ATC question (or about a Photography Park) at your peril.
I just realized something (talking to a friend).
This is the first time since I retired (almost 20 years ago) that I’ve wanted to go back to work. 🙋♂️😡 #FAA #ATC #NATCA
This is the first time since I retired (almost 20 years ago) that I’ve wanted to go back to work. 🙋♂️😡 #FAA #ATC #NATCA
Trump demands air traffic controllers return to work as flight cancellations spike
President Donald Trump demanded air traffic controllers return to work on Monday as government-directed flight cuts and air traffic staffing absences continue to wreak havoc with U.S. air travel.
www.reuters.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Pass the popcorn!
We used to play chess on our breaks. Breaks were only *supposed* to be 15 minutes. We had to play quick. But, being controllers, we'd heckle the players.
So, Dear Leader, as was often said by the hecklers, "I don't think I would have done *that*." Good luck.
We used to play chess on our breaks. Breaks were only *supposed* to be 15 minutes. We had to play quick. But, being controllers, we'd heckle the players.
So, Dear Leader, as was often said by the hecklers, "I don't think I would have done *that*." Good luck.
November 11, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Pass the popcorn!
We used to play chess on our breaks. Breaks were only *supposed* to be 15 minutes. We had to play quick. But, being controllers, we'd heckle the players.
So, Dear Leader, as was often said by the hecklers, "I don't think I would have done *that*." Good luck.
We used to play chess on our breaks. Breaks were only *supposed* to be 15 minutes. We had to play quick. But, being controllers, we'd heckle the players.
So, Dear Leader, as was often said by the hecklers, "I don't think I would have done *that*." Good luck.
This is what happens when it's Fall and I'm outside having fun.
Fortunately, I have friends that pick up the slack for me.
I wonder of Donald Trump has a single friend. Somebody he's walked through the fire with. Somebody he knows he can bet his life on. I'd bet not.
Fortunately, I have friends that pick up the slack for me.
I wonder of Donald Trump has a single friend. Somebody he's walked through the fire with. Somebody he knows he can bet his life on. I'd bet not.
@gettheflick.bsky.social @rustysunshine.bsky.social @chasingray.bsky.social @jfallows.bsky.social
Ten years ago, I would've been able to predict NATCA's reaction. Now, I'm not so sure. But I do know this - Trump made a big mistake dissing a workforce who is keeping 5% of the GDP afloat.
Ten years ago, I would've been able to predict NATCA's reaction. Now, I'm not so sure. But I do know this - Trump made a big mistake dissing a workforce who is keeping 5% of the GDP afloat.
Now we have Trump blasting air traffic controllers, telling them they hate this country for not showing up without pay.
"I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK... You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record."
"I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK... You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record."
November 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
This is what happens when it's Fall and I'm outside having fun.
Fortunately, I have friends that pick up the slack for me.
I wonder of Donald Trump has a single friend. Somebody he's walked through the fire with. Somebody he knows he can bet his life on. I'd bet not.
Fortunately, I have friends that pick up the slack for me.
I wonder of Donald Trump has a single friend. Somebody he's walked through the fire with. Somebody he knows he can bet his life on. I'd bet not.
I wonder if these folks feel like Lyndon Johnson when Walter Cronkite came out against the Vietnam War?
They should.
They should.
Listening to these pathetic rationalizations from King, Hassan, Shaheen, whoever else they have queued up.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
November 10, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I wonder if these folks feel like Lyndon Johnson when Walter Cronkite came out against the Vietnam War?
They should.
They should.
Reposted by Don Brown
-Oct 18, more than 7 million Americans stand up and stand together.
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
November 10, 2025 at 2:55 AM
-Oct 18, more than 7 million Americans stand up and stand together.
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
Reposted by Don Brown
How about we shut down the government for this very popular and specific goal and then, hear me out, we hold out for like a month and a half and then, ok this part is important, after a watershed election where we ran the table, ONLY THEN, fold and don't get the one thing we said we wanted.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 AM
How about we shut down the government for this very popular and specific goal and then, hear me out, we hold out for like a month and a half and then, ok this part is important, after a watershed election where we ran the table, ONLY THEN, fold and don't get the one thing we said we wanted.
Don’t look now but the Sun is shining and it’s snowing in Huntsville, Alabama. 31°F
November 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Don’t look now but the Sun is shining and it’s snowing in Huntsville, Alabama. 31°F
Duh.
No research on my part here. No claims from the podcaster. But listen to this and think about the article below.
No research on my part here. No claims from the podcaster. But listen to this and think about the article below.
November 10, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Duh.
No research on my part here. No claims from the podcaster. But listen to this and think about the article below.
No research on my part here. No claims from the podcaster. But listen to this and think about the article below.
That seals it for me. And I have no idea what is going on. But I'd bet my last nickel Senator Warren does.
I will not support a deal that does nothing to make health care more affordable.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
November 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
That seals it for me. And I have no idea what is going on. But I'd bet my last nickel Senator Warren does.
If you don't understand how important this is...you didn't grow up in The South learning about the "grand and glorious Lost Cause" of the Civil War...I mean the War Between The States and taught to stand at attention when anybody played "Dixie".
150 years of this crap in The South. Pay attention.
150 years of this crap in The South. Pay attention.
!! JUST FILED: States maneuver to preserve history of US Capitol Insurrection
One state is considering legislation to require all K-12 school children learn the history and aftermath of Jan 6
www.cbsnews.com/news/state-l...
One state is considering legislation to require all K-12 school children learn the history and aftermath of Jan 6
www.cbsnews.com/news/state-l...
State legislators maneuver to preserve history of U.S. Capitol riot
While GOP lawmakers and the Trump administration have downplayed the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, there are state efforts underway to ensure it's recorded for history.
www.cbsnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:25 AM
If you don't understand how important this is...you didn't grow up in The South learning about the "grand and glorious Lost Cause" of the Civil War...I mean the War Between The States and taught to stand at attention when anybody played "Dixie".
150 years of this crap in The South. Pay attention.
150 years of this crap in The South. Pay attention.
You’ve warned.
Hey! It was on the bottom shelf. What do you expect out of me?
Hey! It was on the bottom shelf. What do you expect out of me?
November 9, 2025 at 11:12 PM
You’ve warned.
Hey! It was on the bottom shelf. What do you expect out of me?
Hey! It was on the bottom shelf. What do you expect out of me?
Before martini hour, I wanted to get this off my chest. My Congressman, Dale Strong (AL-5th CD) answered my email with a form email that said...(graphic)
A Bill? Great! And then I asked ChatGPT how many of his Bills have been signed into law. Zero. How about the previous guy, Mo Brooks? Zero.🤯
A Bill? Great! And then I asked ChatGPT how many of his Bills have been signed into law. Zero. How about the previous guy, Mo Brooks? Zero.🤯
November 9, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Before martini hour, I wanted to get this off my chest. My Congressman, Dale Strong (AL-5th CD) answered my email with a form email that said...(graphic)
A Bill? Great! And then I asked ChatGPT how many of his Bills have been signed into law. Zero. How about the previous guy, Mo Brooks? Zero.🤯
A Bill? Great! And then I asked ChatGPT how many of his Bills have been signed into law. Zero. How about the previous guy, Mo Brooks? Zero.🤯
I predict wailing and gnashing of teeth. 🤠
Wordle 1,604 4/6
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🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Wordle 1,604 4/6
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⬛🟨⬛🟩⬛
🟩⬛🟨🟩⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
November 9, 2025 at 7:48 PM
I predict wailing and gnashing of teeth. 🤠
Wordle 1,604 4/6
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟨⬛🟩⬛
🟩⬛🟨🟩⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Wordle 1,604 4/6
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟨⬛🟩⬛
🟩⬛🟨🟩⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Quickly...
Rule of Thumb: 60 airplanes per hour per runway. 1 min. takeoff. 1 min. arrival. (Lots of exceptions. "Heavy" aircraft being a big one.)
The "Z" facilities (ZTL = Atlanta Center) are American. The "C" facilities are Canadian.
Planes all over North America waiting to depart for EWR.
Rule of Thumb: 60 airplanes per hour per runway. 1 min. takeoff. 1 min. arrival. (Lots of exceptions. "Heavy" aircraft being a big one.)
The "Z" facilities (ZTL = Atlanta Center) are American. The "C" facilities are Canadian.
Planes all over North America waiting to depart for EWR.
November 9, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Quickly...
Rule of Thumb: 60 airplanes per hour per runway. 1 min. takeoff. 1 min. arrival. (Lots of exceptions. "Heavy" aircraft being a big one.)
The "Z" facilities (ZTL = Atlanta Center) are American. The "C" facilities are Canadian.
Planes all over North America waiting to depart for EWR.
Rule of Thumb: 60 airplanes per hour per runway. 1 min. takeoff. 1 min. arrival. (Lots of exceptions. "Heavy" aircraft being a big one.)
The "Z" facilities (ZTL = Atlanta Center) are American. The "C" facilities are Canadian.
Planes all over North America waiting to depart for EWR.
You can read all about this picture (like normal) on my Flickr feed. But for today, those on Bluesky, get to see the difference between a Photography Park and a...
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
48mm
F8@2.5 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_8125.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
48mm
F8@2.5 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_8125.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
November 9, 2025 at 3:28 PM
You can read all about this picture (like normal) on my Flickr feed. But for today, those on Bluesky, get to see the difference between a Photography Park and a...
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
48mm
F8@2.5 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_8125.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
48mm
F8@2.5 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_8125.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Don't tease me people. And Doug actually lives in #Alabama.
Dang! If he runs he might drive enough voters in #Huntsville to the polls to kick Dale Strong out of office.
I wish I was good at politics. I saw Georgia turn Blue. It'd be an earthquake if #Madison County (Huntsville) turned.
Dang! If he runs he might drive enough voters in #Huntsville to the polls to kick Dale Strong out of office.
I wish I was good at politics. I saw Georgia turn Blue. It'd be an earthquake if #Madison County (Huntsville) turned.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones appears to be headed for another political showdown against current Sen. Tommy Tuberville, this time for the governor’s office.
🔗: https://www.al.com/politics/2025/11/alabama-democrat-hints-at-2026-rematch-with-tommy-tuberville-stay-tuned.html
🔗: https://www.al.com/politics/2025/11/alabama-democrat-hints-at-2026-rematch-with-tommy-tuberville-stay-tuned.html
November 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Don't tease me people. And Doug actually lives in #Alabama.
Dang! If he runs he might drive enough voters in #Huntsville to the polls to kick Dale Strong out of office.
I wish I was good at politics. I saw Georgia turn Blue. It'd be an earthquake if #Madison County (Huntsville) turned.
Dang! If he runs he might drive enough voters in #Huntsville to the polls to kick Dale Strong out of office.
I wish I was good at politics. I saw Georgia turn Blue. It'd be an earthquake if #Madison County (Huntsville) turned.
Pity the people that didn't live when Jimmy Buffet had booze, a pedal-steel guitar and Fingers Taylor backing him up.
I'm glad he got sober (James Taylor too) but a lot of good lyrics came from experiencing the consequences of bad judgement.
I'm glad he got sober (James Taylor too) but a lot of good lyrics came from experiencing the consequences of bad judgement.
Brahma Fear
YouTube video by Jimmy Buffett - Topic
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Pity the people that didn't live when Jimmy Buffet had booze, a pedal-steel guitar and Fingers Taylor backing him up.
I'm glad he got sober (James Taylor too) but a lot of good lyrics came from experiencing the consequences of bad judgement.
I'm glad he got sober (James Taylor too) but a lot of good lyrics came from experiencing the consequences of bad judgement.
It’s Fall y’all! My favorite time of year. And there’s a big cold snap coming. ❤️👍🤠
On the Bankhead Trail in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
40mm
F29@3 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
White Balance on “Flash"
DSC_8236.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
On the Bankhead Trail in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
40mm
F29@3 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
White Balance on “Flash"
DSC_8236.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
November 9, 2025 at 1:04 AM
It’s Fall y’all! My favorite time of year. And there’s a big cold snap coming. ❤️👍🤠
On the Bankhead Trail in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
40mm
F29@3 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
White Balance on “Flash"
DSC_8236.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
On the Bankhead Trail in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
40mm
F29@3 seconds
ISO 400
Polarizer
White Balance on “Flash"
DSC_8236.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Alternate Headline:
Capitalism Fails American National Security. Again.
Republicans Get Rich Trying to Correct Their Policy Failures. Again.
Capitalism Fails American National Security. Again.
Republicans Get Rich Trying to Correct Their Policy Failures. Again.
The U.S. Struggles to Break Out From China’s Grip on Rare Earths
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Alternate Headline:
Capitalism Fails American National Security. Again.
Republicans Get Rich Trying to Correct Their Policy Failures. Again.
Capitalism Fails American National Security. Again.
Republicans Get Rich Trying to Correct Their Policy Failures. Again.
While I have your attention (thanks @jfallows.bsky.social. I think.), don't forget the FAA is hiring. You too can have a life of glamour & earn the big bucks.
(All kidding aside, Uncle Sam ((that's y'all)) has been very good to me.)
Check housing prices before you go.
www.faa.gov/jobs/career_...
(All kidding aside, Uncle Sam ((that's y'all)) has been very good to me.)
Check housing prices before you go.
www.faa.gov/jobs/career_...
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 PM
While I have your attention (thanks @jfallows.bsky.social. I think.), don't forget the FAA is hiring. You too can have a life of glamour & earn the big bucks.
(All kidding aside, Uncle Sam ((that's y'all)) has been very good to me.)
Check housing prices before you go.
www.faa.gov/jobs/career_...
(All kidding aside, Uncle Sam ((that's y'all)) has been very good to me.)
Check housing prices before you go.
www.faa.gov/jobs/career_...
Reposted by Don Brown
Understaffed FAA Recommends Pilots Just Go With Their Gut https://theonion.com/understaffed-faa-recommends-pilots-just-go-with-their-gut/
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Understaffed FAA Recommends Pilots Just Go With Their Gut https://theonion.com/understaffed-faa-recommends-pilots-just-go-with-their-gut/
Reposted by Don Brown
👇
"We spoke with nine C-level U.S. airline executives and senior officials across six U.S. carriers for this story. They expressed varying degrees of skepticism, but none felt the cuts were without some level of political interference."
With little recourse, U.S. airline leaders skeptical of DOT flight cut justification theaircurrent.com/airlines/air... (via @willguisbond.com & @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
November 7, 2025 at 10:10 PM
👇
Again, for those that have the time to keep up.
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
November 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Again, for those that have the time to keep up.
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
I can't argue with him. And don't want to.
Newt Gingrich
Dennis Hastert (with his whip, John DeLay)
John Boehner
Paul Ryan
Kevin McCarthy
Mike Johnson
She doesn't have much competition from the Republicans does she?
Maybe Mr. Sam. But he was a Democrat too.
Newt Gingrich
Dennis Hastert (with his whip, John DeLay)
John Boehner
Paul Ryan
Kevin McCarthy
Mike Johnson
She doesn't have much competition from the Republicans does she?
Maybe Mr. Sam. But he was a Democrat too.
Nancy Pelosi was the greatest speaker in the history of the Congress. I was proud to vote for her(my first vote in Congress) the first female speaker ,the honorable Nancy Pelosi. I will miss her as will the nation.
thank you Nancy.
thank you Nancy.
November 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
I can't argue with him. And don't want to.
Newt Gingrich
Dennis Hastert (with his whip, John DeLay)
John Boehner
Paul Ryan
Kevin McCarthy
Mike Johnson
She doesn't have much competition from the Republicans does she?
Maybe Mr. Sam. But he was a Democrat too.
Newt Gingrich
Dennis Hastert (with his whip, John DeLay)
John Boehner
Paul Ryan
Kevin McCarthy
Mike Johnson
She doesn't have much competition from the Republicans does she?
Maybe Mr. Sam. But he was a Democrat too.
"Post-Peak Fall"
Sunrise was a bust. But the leaves of this hickory lit up once the Sun broke through.
At the overlook in Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
170mm
F8@1/15th
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_7906.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Sunrise was a bust. But the leaves of this hickory lit up once the Sun broke through.
At the overlook in Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
170mm
F8@1/15th
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_7906.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
November 7, 2025 at 8:41 PM
"Post-Peak Fall"
Sunrise was a bust. But the leaves of this hickory lit up once the Sun broke through.
At the overlook in Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
170mm
F8@1/15th
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_7906.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography
Sunrise was a bust. But the leaves of this hickory lit up once the Sun broke through.
At the overlook in Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama.
Nikon D7500 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR
170mm
F8@1/15th
ISO 400
Polarizer
DSC_7906.JPG
©Don Brown 2025
#photography