NATCA Takes Part in AOPA Aviation Summit 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010


Last week, NATCA participated in the 2010 AOPA Aviation Summit, a three-day event in Long Beach, Calif., consisting of seminars and exhibitors geared towards educating the general aviation pilot.

NATCA Safety Committee members Don Schmeichel (NRX), Gini Briggs (SGF), Danny Aguerre (ZMA) and Steve McKenzie (ZID) were joined at the Summit by Leanne Martin (AZO) and NATCA Outreach Specialist Kelly Richardson, as well as NATCA Safety and Tech Director Dale Wright who was on hand throughout the event to present and moderate panel discussions.

    



 

NATCA’s success at this year’s Summit drew in large part from its forums, with at least three large forums a day attracting at least 230 each in addition to several mini forums that at times saw up to 100 attendees. “Navigating the NAS,” “Tips from the Local Area Controllers” and “Pilot/Controller Pet Peeves” were just a few of the topics covered in these forums which were directed towards enhancing relationships between pilots and controllers.

Effectively achieving its goal of opening up these lines of communication, the Summit’s "Controllers’ Corner" section of the convention hall allowed pilots to put faces with the voices they hear in the sky. Pilots were not only able to meet controllers in a comfortable setting, but better yet ask specific questions about air traffic procedures, discuss particular policies, and pick up learning materials.  

At events such as these there is a great need for controllers from the local area, so Southern California controllers Garth Koleszar (ZLA), James Decker (ZLA), Kevin McLaughlin (SCT), Matt Morter (SCT), Jason Chipkin (LGB) and Ashley Abraham (LGB) were made available to answer questions, and proved very popular with the pilots due to their professional answers and detailed knowledge of the local procedures.  

As Martin, head of the "Pet Peeves" production, pointed out in response to the outcome, there is clearly a need for pilots and controllers to interact and better understand each other. “This year’s event was very successful,” shares Martin, “and we hope to build on that success for next year’s event.” 


 		    
Click here to view the AOPA Live podcast featuring
Dale Wright.