September 09, 2011
September 11, 2001 was Benedict Sliney’s first day on the
job as one of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's National
Operations Managers. As the morning attacks on the Twin Towers
unfolded and terrorists commanded the skies, Sliney rapidly
assessed the situation and gave the order to land all planes flying
over the U.S, shutting down the country’s airspace. “I just
happened to be the guy on duty,” Sliney says. “I believe that any
of the other National Operations Managers would have made the same
decision.” He also credits the flight crews and air traffic
controllers in North America for their professionalism and
execution, recalling “They did an incredible job.” The 9/11
Commission later recognized Sliney’s decisive act as pivotal in
countering the terrorists’ agenda that day.
Although new to the role of National Operations Manager on 9/11,
Sliney had 25 years of air traffic control and management
experience with the FAA to draw on, along with earlier training in
the field with the U.S. Air Force. He also recognizes the influence
of his legal education as an evening student at St. John’s. During
his time here, he balanced a demanding course load with full-time
work at the FAA and with his family life. After graduating, he left
the FAA to practice securities litigation, but later decided to
pursue both his professional interests, working in the law and as
an air traffic controller at different points over the years.
“Practicing law and serving as an air traffic controller have many
similarities,” Sliney says. “Both involve critical thinking, the
ability to think and react on multiple dimensions, leveraging logic
and recalling fact patterns combined with a sense of purpose,
whether it be landing a plane or getting a verdict.”
In the decade since the tragic events of 9/11, Sliney has continued
to practice law and consult on air traffic control safety. He will
commemorate the 10th anniversary of the day by attending the
dedication of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville,
Pennsylvania.