Pilot-Controller Communications
Pilots: We’re NATCA and We’re Here For You
Aviation safety is at the core of who we are and is what drives our members each and every day. Our organization believes in promoting and enhancing safety through education, communication and collaboration together with every sector of the aviation industry. We strive to keep our airspace system the safest and most efficient in the world. Whether you’re considering learning to fly, a student pilot or a certified pilot, we’re here for you.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is a labor union and aviation safety organization in the United States that represents nearly 20,000 highly skilled air traffic controllers, engineers, and other aviation safety-related professionals. NATCA is one of the strongest labor unions in the federal sector and represents a range of aviation safety professionals in 15 FAA bargaining units, five Department of Defense air traffic facilities, and 116 federal contract towers.
NATCA collaborates with Congress, the FAA, and other aviation stakeholders to modernize the aviation system to benefit all users. For example, NATCA members advocate for necessary funding legislation, work on initiatives including NOTAM reform, and are involved in technology and equipment upgrades and deployment. NATCA strives to bring useful and relevant content directly to the general aviation community.
Pilot Outreach
Reaching out to the aviation community provides us all the opportunity to learn together. Have a question or maybe a request for materials or a facility visit? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at askatc@natca.net.
Recent Events
FLORIDA: NATCA Miami Center (ZMA) member Evan Munro recently made an ATC and You, Pilot Controller presentation to the Cirrus Owners Group in Melbourne, Fla. We have been doing a number of pilot/controller presentations with this group over the past few years and have consistently had a great turnout and great feedback.
ATC & You: Pilot / Controller Communications
We have developed a collection of information cards covering a variety of important topics. Please see the cards below, which are suitable for downloading:
Airport Procedures
Clearances
Communications: Phrases to Know
Special VFR
Uncontrolled Airports
VFR-on-Top
Wrong Surface Operations
Airspace
Communicating With ATC
Control Tower Ops
Takeoffs/Landings
VFR Flight Following
Weather
