Ground Stop: An Inside Look at the Federal Aviation Administration on September 11, 2001

On September 11, 2001, long before anyone was aware of the impending attack, members of the United States air traffic control system knew something was wrong-bad wrong. Through their radars, they saw the erratic actions of airplanes in the sky and through their radios they heard strange voices giving orders. Ground Stop tells the story of the FAA's first responders on 9/11. Unsung heroic actions were taken and now the story can be told. Stories of lightning quick decisions that saved lives. Airplanes were grounded all over the nation and managers searched the sky, determined that no other attacks would be made on "their" towns and cities. Finally, everything went quiet and then the hard part began; righting the aviation industry as soon as possible.

Pamela S. Freni has supported the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for nearly twenty years. She is the author of Angels on the Bonfire and Space for Women. Her knowledge of the aviation industry spurred her interest in this true story. Ms. Freni holds two degrees, one from Texas A&M University and another from George Mason University. She lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.