Aviation community rallies to feed unpaid air traffic controllers in Indianapolis during shutdown

Air traffic controllers across the country are working without paychecks as the government shutdown continues, forcing many to take on second jobs to support their families while maintaining their critical safety responsibilities.

The shutdown is causing flight delays at airports nationwide, with unpaid air traffic controllers still required to report to work despite not receiving compensation. Controllers last received a paycheck on October 14, and that was only a partial payment.

"Tuesday actually was our first zero paycheck. A lot of anxiety, a lot of stress, the impact is great," Drew MacQueen said.

MacQueen serves as Great Lakes Regional Vice President for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents more than 200 air traffic controllers in the Indianapolis ar