An interview with veteran pilot and broadcaster Jim Tilmon
Jim Tilmon has worked as a weather forecaster and aviation reporter and analyst for WBBM-TV in Chicago since 2002, capping over two decades of distinguished experience in broadcasting. The Oklahoma native served eight years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, flying both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft before settling in the Chicago area as a commercial pilot for American Airlines for nearly 30 years, flying the DC-6, DC-7, BAC-111 and Boeing 727. Tilmon is in the process of authoring a book about his life and accomplishments. He is married with three children and five grandchildren. His comments below are his own and not representative of any corporation or institution.
ATC: NATCA members were thrilled to hear your on-air comments on July 19 during a time when the union and the FAA were giving their positions to the press on the impending contract talks. You not only supported controllers but criticized the agency for accusing controllers as being overpaid. What drove you to make those comments?
TILMON: “I saw the FAA press conference as an attempt to use the media to sway public opinion before formal negotiations began, and I just didn’t see that as the proper course of action. Further, there was a tone that suggested that controllers might be overpaid. I am just as anxious to see air traffic controllers satisfied as I am my neurosurgeon or cardiologist.”
ATC: What are your feelings about the current state of the FAA?
TILMON: “I have great respect for the FAA. There are countless fine professionals that work very hard to ensure the safety of aviation in this country. I believe that we have the best agency in the world directing the course of aviation progress in our country. I realize that it is unlikely I can be privy to the rational for decisions at that level, but it sometimes appears that policy is driven far too much by politics.”
ATC: If you were FAA administrator for a day, what would you do?
TILMON: “I would make it clear to all concerned that the FAA must be run with maximum productivity and efficiency. I believe that every organization becomes more productive when decisions are made after sincere council with those who do the work. So, I would become a professional listener, listening to those at every level that have the experience and wisdom to help direct policy. Obviously, the safety and security of the traveling public must always be paramount in the decision making process.”
ATC: As a pilot, what were some of your most memorable experiences working with controllers? Any notable events where you worked with a controller to get out of a tough situation and enjoy a safe result?
TILMON: “I was flying captain over central Michigan on a flight from New York to Chicago when a flight attendant informed me that a passenger was suffering chest pains. There was a doctor on board that sent me word that this person needed hospital attention as soon as possible. I notified air traffic of the situation and suddenly it was as if my aircraft was the only one in the air. I was cleared with altitude and airspeed at my discretion to land at O’Hare. Needless to say, I flew on the redline as I descended into the Chicago area. We had no delay of any kind, and upon landing I was directed to my airline’s nearest gate. As soon as the brakes were locked, paramedics boarded the airplane and transported the passenger. I later learned that the swift and professional handling of my flight saved a life. I will always be grateful for those who helped to make that possible.”
ATC: Obviously, aviation is a lifelong love of yours. What are your earliest, fondest memories and what sparked the passion in you to want to become a pilot?
TILMON: “I saw my first airplane when I was about five years old. I was fascinated and asked my Dad what it was. He explained that it was an airplane and that it was flown by pilots. It was that day that I decided that my dream was to become a pilot. I have done many things in my life, but nothing compares to the satisfaction I received every time I climbed into a cockpit … it was a dream realized and I have never taken it for granted.”
ATC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
TILMON: “Very early in my flight training I learned that no matter how skillful I became as a pilot, I could not safely do it alone. I quickly acknowledged that I had to develop a level of trust for someone on the ground that I could not see and would no doubt never meet. It was the calm, dependable, professional and reassuring voice of the air traffic controller that let me know that there were several sets of eyes and ears that were dedicated and focused on my flight and my passengers’ comfort and safety. Even today I travel with that same level of trust. I will not forget the debt of gratitude I owe all of you who work so tirelessly to make almost every flight routine. I sincerely welcome this opportunity to say thank you.”
