Introducing “Guardians of the Sky,” A New Video Series Highlighting America’s Extraordinary Air Traffic Controllers
Controllers do amazing work every day to ensure flying remains one of the safest and most efficient modes of transportation in the world. These Guardians of the Sky videos emphasize the dedication of controllers to our profession and the responsibility we have to the flying public.
Chicago O’Hare Controllers Prevent Catastrophic Collision
In March 2019, an air traffic controller at Chicago-O’Hare issued a departure clearance to an Envoy Air twinjet, directing the pilot to take off and head parallel to the runway so there would be no conflict with other planes. However, upon takeoff the pilot began a hard-left turn, placing him in a collision course with an American Airlines flight.
Luckily, two of our nation’s highly-skilled air traffic controllers recognized the situation and worked quickly to prevent catastrophe.
Watch the video here.
Read the full story here.
Air Traffic Controllers at Boston Center Save an F16 with an Aerial Refueling During a Snowstorm
Our first video spotlights the incredible work of several air traffic controllers at Boston Center (ZBW) who stepped up to assist a military pilot of a F-16 trying to find a safe place to land in blizzard weather conditions while running low on fuel.
Watch the video on YouTube here.
Read the full story here.
Florida Air Traffic Controllers Help Passenger Land Plane After Their Pilot is Incapacitated
NATCA just launched a new video series called “Guardians of the Sky.” Each video highlights a real-life incident where America’s air traffic controllers exemplified their skill, training, and professionalism in a moment of crisis.
In our latest installment, NATCA highlights air traffic controllers from Florida who helped a passenger who didn’t know how to fly land a plane safely after their pilot became incapacitated because of a medical emergency.
Watch the video here.
Read the full story here.
Sparks Fly as Plane Touches Down After Landing Gear MalFunction, LAX Air Traffic Controllers Save the Day
In our latest installment, NATCA highlights the work of several air traffic controllers at Los Angeles ATCT (LAX) who arranged for emergency personnel to be ready when a FedEx plane made an emergency landing at the airport after their landing gear malfunctioned. Watch the video here:
Watch the video here.
Read the full story here.
Anchorage Center Controllers Guide Coast Guard to Downed Aircraft in the Alaskan Wilderness
After a family’s plane went missing mid-flight, air traffic controllers from Anchorage Center (ZAN) used their expertise in helping the U.S. Coast Guard locate the downed plane in the Alaska wilderness during a fierce winter storm.
Watch the video here.
Read the full story here.
Denver TRACON Controllers Helps Southwest Plane With Missing Engine Cowling Land Safely in NATCA’s Newest “Guardians of the Sky” Video
When a Southwest Airlines flight experienced a problem with their engine upon takeoff from Denver International Airport, air traffic controllers sprung into action. A Denver TRACON controller immediately worked to clear the runway and coordinate with Denver ATCT for emergency vehicles.
Watch the video here.
Read the full story here.
