Ask ATC: Building Pilot-Controller Communication
Pilots: We’re NATCA and We’re Here For You
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is a labor union and aviation safety organization. It represents air traffic controllers, engineers, and other professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. NATCA was certified in 1987 as the exclusive bargaining representative for air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Since then, NATCA has grown to represent professionals in more than a dozen FAA bargaining units, several Department of Defense facilities, and many federal contract towers. Its members play a critical role in managing air traffic, supporting both general and commercial aviation, and helping move passengers and cargo throughout the system.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NATCA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and is recognized as one of the strongest unions in the federal sector. Whether you are flying for business, training, or recreation, NATCA members are working behind the scenes to keep you safe.
Pilot Outreach
NATCA is proud to support outreach to the aviation community through presentations, briefings, and events. Many of our sessions qualify for FAA WINGS credit to help pilots stay current and informed. We believe in building strong connections between pilots and controllers to enhance safety and understanding. For questions or to connect with us, email [email protected].
NATCA Booth Class Schedule at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Presenter | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/21/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication |
| 7/23/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication |
| 7/27/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication |
| 7/26/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Complex Airspace with Ease |
| 7/23/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: From Delta Towers to Danger Zones |
| 7/25/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: High Terrain, Higher Stakes |
| 7/22/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: IFR from Clearance to Cancellation |
| 7/21/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World |
| 7/24/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World |
| 7/26/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World |
| 7/24/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Navigating Weather Together |
| 7/21/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying into KOSH |
| 7/23/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying into KOSH |
| 7/25/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying into KOSH |
| 7/26/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: SIDs and STARs |
| 7/21/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/22/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/23/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/24/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/25/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/26/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/27/25 | 8:00 | 9:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: Stuck Mic |
| 7/22/25 | 12:30 | 1:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Teaming Up When Trouble Hits |
| 7/25/25 | 9:30 | 10:45 | NATCA | ATC & You: Teaming Up When Trouble Hits |
| 7/22/25 | 11:00 | 12:15 | NATCA | ATC & You: The Art of Negotiating with ATC |
ATC & You: Pilot / Controller Communications
To support safe and effective flight operations, NATCA has created a set of downloadable information cards for general aviation pilots. These resources cover a range of important topics to help strengthen communication and coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers. Each card offers clear, practical guidance that reflects common questions and scenarios.
These materials are designed to support continuing education and are often used in presentations that qualify for FAA WINGS credit. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced aviator, we encourage you to explore these resources to enhance your understanding of ATC operations and improve flight safety.
To import the downloadable card(s) into ForeFlight:
To support safe and effective flight operations, NATCA has created a set of downloadable information cards for general aviation pilots. These resources cover a range of important topics to help strengthen communication and coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers. Each card offers clear, practical guidance that reflects common questions and scenarios.
These materials are designed to support continuing education and are often used in presentations that qualify for FAA WINGS credit. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced aviator, we encourage you to explore these resources to enhance your understanding of ATC operations and improve flight safety.
To import the downloadable card(s) into ForeFlight:
STEP 1. From the iPad or iPhone on which ForeFlight is installed, open the link to the informational card(s) PDF you want to import in a web browser, such as Safari.
STEP 2. Tap the Send To button (a square with an up-arrow) in the upper right. A menu will be presented.
STEP 3. Swipe through the row of apps and tap on ForeFlight. If ForeFlight is not found, select the More button at the end of the row of apps and choose ForeFlight from the new view. ForeFlight Mobile will open on the Documents page, and a popover will be presented.
STEP 4. Select Documents to save the document in the Documents view. The document will be imported and displayed.
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
All Controller Cards Combined
Pilot Survey
After attending one of our presentations, we invite you to share your feedback through a brief pilot survey. Your input helps us improve future outreach and ensure we’re covering the topics that matter most to you. Complete the survey here.
Support NATCA Through Associate Membership
In serving NATCA members in their vital work, NATCA also strives to further the public’s interest in safe and efficient air transportation. You can help NATCA in pursuit of this cause by becoming an associate member. By doing so, you will be supporting the thousands of men and women who run the safest, most efficient airspace in the world. Become a NATCA Associate Member today!
