I'm a former air traffic controller and I'm not alarmed by the recent number of close call collisions. Passengers shouldn't be either — here's why.

• Kevin Karpé spent 31 years as an air traffic controller and air traffic manager.
• Karpé says the number of recent close call collisions is really not that significant.
• He says despite the nationwide air traffic controller shortage, the system is managed by very professional people.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kevin Karpé, 62, CEO, Diverse Vector Aviation Consulting from San Diego, California about the reported increases in collision close calls amongst commercial airliners lately. It's been edited for length and clarity.