Enhancing Aviation Safety: Reporting Programs and Pilot-Controller Collaboration at CFS 2024

In the last educational sessions for this year’s #NATCACFS, attendees joined subject matter experts for impactful breakout sessions focused on safety reporting and the critical collaboration between pilots and controllers. 

The “How to Be a NATCA Air Safety Investigator: The Ultimate Guide” breakout, led by NATCA Air Safety Investigations Committee Chair Karena Marinas NATCA Voluntary Safety Reporting Program Representative Cher Oxenburg and FAA VSRP Group Manager Carolyn Jo John, explored how VSRP, as a non-punitive, confidential reporting system that allows employees to voice safety concerns without fear of reprisal, ultimately contributes to a safer National Airspace System (NAS). 

Rounding out the breakouts for the afternoon was the highly anticipated “Pilot Controller Roundtable,” moderated by NATCA Runway Safety Representative Bridget Singratanaku and NATCA Airspace Representative Josh Haviland. This discussion featured insights from Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Los Angeles Airport Safety Liaison Capt. Jason Herman, Allied Pilots Association (APA) Air Traffic and Procedures Safety Representative Capt. Brian Townsend, NATCA Procedures Representative Jen McCoy, NATCA Runway Incursion Device Representative Jamie Sanders, and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) Safety Air Traffic Services Lead, Capt. Brad Sims. The panelists explored the critical collaboration between pilots and controllers, emphasizing how effective communication is key to maintaining safety and efficiency in the NAS.