ASI NEWS
Say again?
'Ask ATC' series debunks communications myths
By Machteld Smith
The cryptic language of radio communication can be confusing at first. With experience, communication skills improve and interaction with air traffic control tends to become easier. However, misunderstandings about controllers’ roles and the services they provide can keep pilots from fully engaging with ATC.
For example, some pilots believe they should not request VFR flight following services when the controller seems busy. Another myth asserts that declaring an emergency with ATC will have dire consequences later. The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s popular Ask ATC video series dispels these notions.
ASI recently partnered with the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to develop new videos that clarify ATC’s role and the assistance they can provide. In Ask ATC: Bothering ATC, the first installment in the updated series, air traffic control specialist Sarah Patten debunks the notion that talking to VFR flights is an inconvenience for ATC (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/askatc/botheringATC). Another Ask ATC video offers pilots advice on the best way to contact ATC when they seem busy (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/askatc). You’ll also learn how to communicate with controllers when they talk faster than you can comprehend (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/askatc/fasttalkers) and what information to convey while receiving traffic advisories (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/askatc/trafficalerts).
The videos are featured on YouTube and Facebook, and through NATCA’s website (www.natca.org) and the FAA’s “All Points Safety” website (www.faa.gov).
Machteld Smith is an aviation technical writer for the AOPA Air Safety Institute.
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Be prepared to combat cold temperatures and icy drizzle this winter season. Explore videos, courses, quizzes, accident case studies, and Real Pilot Stories that explain how to avoid treacherous icing encounters in ASI’s Icing and Cold Weather Ops Safety Spotlight (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/spotlight/icing).
On the move
CAU is spreading the gospel
California Aeronautical University’s (CAU) Mobile Flight Experience tours California to promote aviation and encourage the next generation to start their careers as aviation professionals. This year, the interactive exhibit has made appearances at airshows, high schools, and community events across California.
The University’s Mobile Flight Experience offers flight simulators that allow first-time aviators to take control and experience flight in a highly realistic setting.
“Visitors light up when they take the controls for the first time,” said CAU Director of Admissions Tamu Smith-Kohls. “The mobile flight experience is a great introduction to the excitement pilots experience when taking flight.”
The CAU outreach team travels throughout the state with the Mobile Flight Experience exhibit. “Through the Mobile Flight Experience, we’re able to start conversations with young people, especially high school students, about the possibility of starting careers as professional pilots,” said Smith-Kohls.
“Students have excellent opportunities right here in California to get their degree in an aviation field and start a rewarding career,” said CAU President Matthew Johnston. “To most young people, the idea that they can become a professional pilot is an option they don’t know they have.” High school counselors and staff have the opportunity to schedule the Mobile Flight Experience, as well as an in-class presentation about aviation career opportunities, for a visit to their respective school.
To further promote the importance of aviation education, CAU announced it has become a supporting partner of AOPA. “Our partnership is a great venue to raise the visibility of aviation careers and aviation education options with this key audience,” Johnston said. “Through our work with AOPA, we hope to engage high school students and career counselors in ways that bring aviation career paths to the forefront. We need to promote the idea that becoming a professional pilot is within reach and not just a dream anymore.”
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