Then, the world changed,” he recalls. This is the story of Tom Kaminski, a man whose life has been intertwined with the skies above New York City for decades. From his early days as a news reporter, to his current role as a helicopter traffic reporter, he has witnessed the city’s evolution and transformation.
We were headed north, and then we saw it. A large, dark object, like a black hole, hovering in the sky.”
This is a vivid description of the event, and it highlights the immediate impact of the event on the pilot’s perception. The pilot’s description of the object as a “black hole” is particularly striking, suggesting a sense of awe, fear, and confusion.
The pilot, who was flying a Bell 407 helicopter, was on a routine flight from New York City to a remote location in the Adirondack Mountains. The flight was part of a commercial operation, transporting passengers and cargo. The helicopter was carrying a mix of passengers and cargo, including a large amount of medical supplies. The pilot, who was experienced and well-versed in helicopter operations, made the decision to land at the airbase in New Jersey. This decision was based on the limited fuel supply and the need to prioritize safety.
**Summary of Kaminski’s Career Path:**
* **Early Years:** Kaminski started his career in traffic reporting at Shadow Traffic, a company that provided traffic reporting services. * **Experience at Shadow Traffic:** He progressed through various roles: driver, traffic producer, and finally director of information services. This demonstrates his dedication and skill in developing a comprehensive understanding of traffic management. * **Transition to WCBS Radio:** In 1988, Kaminski joined WCBS Radio, where he initially filled a vacant helicopter traffic reporting position.
He is a civilian, not a military pilot. He is a civilian who works for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and his job is to provide aerial surveillance and traffic management. This summary provides a glimpse into the life of a civilian air traffic controller, highlighting their crucial role in managing air traffic flow and ensuring safety. Let’s delve deeper into the specific aspects of this profession, exploring the challenges, responsibilities, and the unique skills required to excel in this demanding field.
This statement highlights the importance of safety protocols and communication in aviation. It emphasizes the need for pilots to be constantly aware of their surroundings and maintain constant communication with air traffic control. The summary also mentions that the pilot is always in contact with air traffic control and the NTSB. This suggests that the pilot is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of all involved parties.
This sparked an idea in Kaminski’s mind. He began to capture images of the stadium at night, experimenting with different angles and lighting conditions. Kaminski’s photography journey began with a simple camera and a desire to capture the beauty of the stadium.
This shift in focus, from the skies to the streets, marked a significant change in his work. It reflected a growing awareness of the pandemic’s impact on everyday life, and a desire to capture the unseen, the unheard, and the often overlooked aspects of the crisis. Kaminski’s work during the pandemic, while grounded in his photographic practice, was also deeply intertwined with the social and political context of the time. It was a time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty, and his photographs served as a visual record of these emotions, anxieties, and uncertainties. The pandemic’s impact on the world was not limited to the physical realm.