An air traffic controller working two jobs through the government shutdown isn't trying to alarm flyers ... but, he thinks a mental lapse on the part of another ATC is possible given the current issues in he field.

We spoke with Jack Criss -- an air traffic controller with more than 15 years of experience in the field -- on "TMZ Live" Thursday ... and, he told us he has a friend who refused to fly to visit him because she feared getting on a plane amid the increased stress on other controllers.

Criss tells us he's a safety advocate, and he always gives 100% focus to his job when he's working ... but, he could see a situation where an air traffic controller -- worried about not receiving any pay, while also dealing with other personal issues -- could screw up and end up hurting a lot of

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