Pilots and air traffic controllers have a unique relationship. Both sit behind displays with a lot of information, but one is on the ground and the other likely hundreds of miles away and thousands of feet above creating quite a different perspective.
Let's get a couple of ATC tower and C90 TRACON controllers in the same room with a couple pilots and simulate a flight. Of course, our pilots and controllers are going to make things "interesting" and we'll see the other scramble to figure out WTF!
We welcome Ryan Schile and Andrew Rice, Certified Professional Controllers (CPC) from O'Hare towers. Last year, on March 1st, the two of them saved a few hundred people from a very bad day, separating an ERJ-145 from a B737-8 who got within 0.23 nm from each other. This won them the coveted President's Award, aka Archie Award, at the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet. We celebrate their getting it right, and in the words of NATCA president, Paul Rinaldi, not getting it wrong.
And, we welcome Ryan Jaros, a C90 TRACON controller, to be our the man in the middle.
And, like Rod Machado has shown us for many years now, a bit of comedy can make a useful way to teach some valuable lessons.
So, while these are decorated, expert controllers, our scenario will truly put them to the test of their skills. We're going to conduct a flight between a couple local airports with a TRACON handoff in the middle. How many possible errors can some pilots and controllers make in one short flight like this? You'll have to attend to find out. And, no FAA Enforcement members will be present so we'll see what virtual pilot or controller deviations happen!
Warning: anybody using the term "fish finder" will result in vectors to hold over the North Pole with further clearance next week.
No, the headline isn't a typo, this flight should be stimulating!
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Welcome to the new COVID-19 world. Things have changed since the beginning of the year and we are adapting, too.
We will offer a video conference stream for those who would rather. Details and registration will be provided shortly.
For those attending in person, COVID protocols will be in place. Chairs will be properly distanced (socially-distancing groups, e.g. couples, partners, etc., can move chairs together) and masks are required. We will cap the number of people at 50. Your cooperating is required if you wish to attend in person.
