Air traffic controller appeals dismissal

[MaineDem]

Charged with violating nationwide shutdown Sept. 11
ASSOCIATED PRESS

GREAT FALLS, Mont., Sept. 29 — The only air traffic controller charged with violating a nationwide shutdown on Sept. 11, 2001, is appealing the decision.

William C. Noble III was fired in April for allowing a FedEx cargo plane to take off from the Great Falls airport on Sept. 11. A federal magistrate convicted him this summer of violating a Federal Aviation Administration order, a misdemeanor, and fined him $500.

In his appeal, Noble, 47, contends the FAA order was unclear. Noble has declined to comment while arbitration is ongoing, as have officials from his union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap09-29-072546.asp?t=apnew&vts=92920030832