Pilot and Controller Communication

Solid and correct communication between pilots and controllers is key to avoiding mistakes and misunderstanding when flying in the national airspace system. When pilots and controllers are communicating effectively it helps reduce stress and mistakes on both sides of the microphone. Just like learning and speaking any language, there are keys to proper communication between pilots and controllers. Explore our Pilot and Controller Communication resources so you can communicate effectively and stay safe!

The Basics of Air Traffic Controlling

Tower Controller

Tower Controllers work in the glassed-in towers you see at airports. They manage traffic from the airport to a radius of 3 to 30 miles out. They give pilots taxiing and take off instructions, air traffic clearance, and advice based on their own observations and experience. They provide separation between landing and departing aircraft, transfer control of aircraft to the en-route center controllers when the aircraft leave their airspace, and receive control of aircraft on flights coming into their airspace.

TRACON Controller

Terminal Radar Approach Controllers work in radar rooms, usually in airport towers. They, like tower controllers, are responsible for the safe separation and movement of aircraft departing, landing, and maneuvering in the airport environment. Working in radar rooms, these controllers utilize terminal radar sensors to assist the aircraft until it reaches the edge of the facility’s airspace, usually about 20 to 50 miles from the airport and up to about 17,000 feet, before handing it off to the Air Route Traffic Control Center.

En-route Controller

En-route Center Controllers work in 24 centers across the country, in a location away from the airport. You will never see them during the course of your flight, but they will normally direct your aircraft for the bulk of your ride. Controlling traffic usually at or above 17,000 feet, the typical center has responsibility for more than 100,000 square miles of airspace generally extending over a number of states. Using radar or manual procedures, they keep track of the thousands of planes in the sky at any one time.

Pilot/Controller Discussions

Open communication and dialogue between pilots and air traffic controllers is critically important. However, communication is more than getting words out...it's also about being understood.

Listen to Air Traffic Controller Jamie Sanders as she interviews the US Navy's first female Blue Angel's Pilot, Katie Cooke.

• Interview with Katie Cook - Part 1
• Interview with Katie Cook - Part 2
• Coming Soon...Interview with Katie Cook - Part 3
• Coming Soon...Interview with Katie Cook - Part 4

Hear what Richard Kennington (PDX Air Traffic Controller) and a panel of pilots and controllers have to say about ATC and safety.

• Part 1: Building the Relationship Between Pilot and Controller
• Part 2: VFR Flight Following
• Part 3: ATC Pet Peeves, Communication, and VFR FF
• Part 4: Emergencies
• Overtime

Questions?

Email NATCA at askatc@natca.net