Air Force II took evasive action, dodged plane by half a mileThe Associated Press
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WASHINGTON - A military plane carrying Vice President Dick Cheney came within almost half a mile of a small private plane over Bridgeport, Conn., this month, forcing the pilot to take evasive action, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday
The plane, which is Air Force II when the vice president is aboard, was flying at about 7,500 feet Aug. 7 while en route to Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., when an on-board alert system alarmed, telling the pilot to climb to avoid colliding with the other plane
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Dean Iacopelli, president of the New York air traffic controller’s union, blamed inadequate staffing for the problem, which he said happens about once a week in New York.
Iacopelli, a controller, said a supervisor was working the radar scopes while on overtime to augment the staff. Supervisors are required to work aircraft for only eight hours a month, while controllers work 40.
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The controller said said the supervisor isn't as proficient as the full time controllers...and says their union is lobbying for more controllers...wonder how the VP's heart is doing today. MKJ
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5846333/edited for clarity
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