Leading the Way at Oshkosh AirVenture 2024: NATCA’s Dynamic Presence
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a vibrant celebration of aviation, and NATCA is at the heart of it each year. From the dedicated pink shirt controllers working 20,000 operations during the week, to NATCA’s volunteer presenters at the engaging classes offered at the NATCA booth and with young attendees at KidVenture, NATCA’s presence at Oshkosh is a thrilling testament to its members’ dedication to aviation safety and education.
As the largest air show in the world, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event has a significant impact on the aviation community and the local community in Wisconsin. The 2024 event hosted 1,600 forums and workshops, attracting a total attendance of 686,000 people. It featured 861 exhibitors and showcased over 10,000 aircraft. A team of 6,000 volunteers supported the event, with an economic impact of $170 million to the region.
Setting the Stage: Knowledge and Confidence
The NATCA booth was a beacon of learning and enthusiasm, with a packed schedule of classes designed to empower pilots. One such session was “ATC & You: Communicating with Confidence and Clarity,” led by the duo of Kendra Mock from DeKalb-Peachtree ATCT (PDK) and Lindsay Anderson from Houston Center (ZHU). Pilots of all experience levels flocked to the NATCA presentations, eager to improve their communication and speak to air traffic controllers in person. With practical tips and real-world insights, Kendra, Lindsay, and the other NATCA presenters transformed complex concepts into accessible knowledge, ensuring safer and more efficient flights.
Spotlight on Women Leaders
The spotlight shone brightly on women leaders who brought their A-game to Oshkosh. Karoline Gorman from New York Center (ZNY) led a session, “Lessons From the Real World,” in which she dissected real-life scenarios from NATCA’s Archie League Medal of Safety award-winning saves. Participants engaged in lively discussions as they reviewed the events as a group and heard how to apply the lessons learned from aviation saves to their own plans and training to ensure safer flights.
Patricia Davitt from Minneapolis Center (ZMP) led a powerful session on “Inflight Emergencies,” reinforcing the importance of preparedness and effective communication. The expertise of NATCA’s members in the booth, conversing with pilots in between the sessions, and engaging with them at meet-and-greet events around the air show, was a beacon of reassurance, providing pilots with crucial skills to handle emergencies with poise and precision.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Over at KidVenture, the atmosphere was electric with excitement as NATCA volunteers, including Sofia Loerch from Scottsdale ATCT (SDL), were in their element, guiding young aviation enthusiasts through hands-on activities. From flight simulators to building projects, the joy of discovery was palpable in the KidVenture hangar. Sofia and her colleagues didn’t just teach kids about aviation and keeping airplanes separated, they ignited a passion that will fuel the future of flight.
The Pink Shirt Heroes
At the heart of all the activity at Oshkosh is the flights in and out of the air show grounds, and the pink shirts are the unsung heroes. This dedicated team of 65 controllers, including standout women like Wendy Smith from Albuquerque ATCT (ABQ) and Renee Spencer from Fort Wayne ATCT (FWA), managed the busiest airspace in the world with grace and precision. Their calm, encouraging communication was a lifeline for pilots navigating the crowded skies, ensuring every takeoff and landing was executed safely.
CISM Support: A Commitment to Well-being
NATCA’s commitment to member well-being was front and center through the presence of Gregory “Tacklebox” Craven from Washington Center (ZDC), who provided Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support to the controllers working the AirVenture flight operations. His role underscored the importance of mental health, offering a supportive ear and expert guidance to these critical controllers during the high-pressure week.
EAA Radio
As part of the mission of pilot outreach during the week of Oshkosh, NATCA members participated in live interviews on EAA’s radio station covering the events of the air show. The interviews highlighted key information for air show attendees and pilots, including situational awareness, NextGen technologies like ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), and the hiring process for air traffic controllers. On Monday July 22, Patricia Davitt (Minneapolis Center, ZMP) spoke about the value of monitoring communications to enhance understanding of the air traffic environment, ensuring safer skies for all. Later in the week, Corey Soignet from Houston Intercontinental Tower (IAH) and Rachel Gilmore from Indianapolis Center (ZID) joined EAA Radio for a discussion about becoming an air traffic controller, talking about both off-the-street and prior experience hiring and highlighting the opportunities in the profession.
Looking Forward
Oshkosh AirVenture 2024 was a whirlwind of learning, inspiration, and community, with NATCA at its vibrant core. The women of NATCA, with their leadership, expertise, and passion, not only educated and empowered attendees but also inspired future generations. As we look to the skies, the legacy of women in aviation is soaring to new heights, fueled by the incredible contributions of NATCA’s dedicated members. Here’s to more thrilling adventures and trailblazing achievements in the world of aviation, through the rest of 2024 and beyond.
