Ask ATC: Building Pilot-Controller Communication

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The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is a labor union and aviation safety organization. It represents air traffic controllers, engineers, and other professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. NATCA was certified in 1987 as the exclusive bargaining representative for air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Since then, NATCA has grown to represent professionals in more than a dozen FAA bargaining units, several Department of Defense facilities, and many federal contract towers. Its members play a critical role in managing air traffic, supporting both general and commercial aviation, and helping move passengers and cargo throughout the system.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NATCA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and is recognized as one of the strongest unions in the federal sector. Whether you are flying for business, training, or recreation, NATCA members are working behind the scenes to keep you safe.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

We are excited to see you at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh! Stop by the NATCA tent (booth 466)
and connect with the controllers who keep the skies safe. Our volunteer air traffic controllers are
on-site all week, ready to talk shop, answer your questions, and deliver presentations about
flying safely in the National Airspace System. Many of our sessions qualify for FAA WINGS
credit to help pilots stay current and informed. Whether you want to sharpen your radio
communication, get comfortable in complex airspace, or just hear what it’s really like on the
other end of the frequency, our controllers bring real operational experience straight from the
tower and the radar scope to every session.

Find our schedule of class offerings, mark your calendar, and come learn from the professional
air traffic controllers moving passengers and cargo throughout the system every day.

NATCA Class Schedule at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Monday, July 20
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication — NATCA Booth
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: How Does it All Work — NATCA Booth
12:30 p.m. — ALPA/NATCA Panel — NATCA Booth
1:00 p.m. — ATC & You: Teaming Up When Trouble Hits — EAA Forum Stage 7

Tuesday, July 21
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying Into KOSH — NATCA Booth
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Beyond VFR Basics — NATCA Booth
11:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication — EAA Forum Stage 4
12:30 p.m. — ATC & You: Flying in the Flight Levels — NATCA Booth

Wednesday, July 22
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
8:00 a.m. — Coffee with Controllers — NBAA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: How Does it All Work — NATCA Booth
10:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Flying in the Flight Levels — ALPA Tent
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Navigating Weather Together — NATCA Booth
11:30 a.m. — ATC & You: IFR from Clearance to Cancellation — EAA Forum Stage 1
12:30 p.m. — ATC & You: Complex Airspace with Ease — NATCA Booth

Thursday, July 23
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World — NATCA Booth
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: IFR from Clearance to Cancellation — NATCA Booth
12:30 p.m. — ATC & You: High Terrain, Higher Stakes — NATCA Booth
1:00 p.m. — ATC & You: Flying in the Flight Levels — EAA Forum Stage 9

Friday, July 24
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Teaming Up When Trouble Hits — NATCA Booth
10:00 a.m. — ATC & You: How Does it All Work — EAA Forum Stage 10
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying Into KOSH — NATCA Booth
12:30 p.m. — ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication — NATCA Booth

Saturday, July 25
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: SIDs and STARs — NATCA Booth
11:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Beyond VFR Basics — NATCA Booth
12:30 p.m. — ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World — NATCA Booth

Sunday, July 26
8:00 a.m. — ATC & You: Stuck Mic — NATCA Booth
9:30 a.m. — ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication — NATCA Booth

WINGS Credit: Class Descriptions

ATC & You: Beyond VFR Basics

Whether you’re a weekend flyer or building time toward your next rating, there’s a lot more
available to VFR pilots than just staying clear of clouds. This session explores the ATC services
that can enhance the safety of your flight. We’ll cover how to use flight following, request
practice approaches, understand radar services, requesting Special VFR, and submit PIREPs.
Learn how to communicate clearly, ask for what you need, and work with ATC—all while staying
within the VFR envelope.

ATC & You: Clear & Confident Communication

Clear and confident radio communication is a fundamental skill for pilots, and this presentation
is designed to help you develop and master it. We will explore effective techniques to
communicate clearly and confidently. This presentation will demonstrate how strong
communication contributes to improved safety and operational efficiency throughout your flight.
By the conclusion, you will be better equipped to handle radio communications with ease.

ATC & You: Complex Airspace with Ease

This session explores the ins and outs of operating in Class B and C. Aimed at aviation
enthusiasts and pilots looking to sharpen their airspace knowledge, this session breaks down
the structure, communication requirements, and operational expectations in these busy
environments—without overwhelming jargon or overcomplicating procedures. We’ll cover
practical tips and controller insights to help you navigate high-density airspace smoothly and
safely. Whether you’re a student pilot or seasoned aviator, this presentation will help make
complex airspace feel manageable and even enjoyable.

ATC & You: Flying in the Flight Levels

Explore key topics relevant to pilots operating in the flight levels, including SIDs and STARs,
basic weather information, and an overview of special use airspace. This presentation provides
a straightforward look at how these elements fit into the NAS, with time reserved for pilot
questions and open discussion.

ATC & You: High Terrain, Higher Stakes

Mountain flying is beautiful but comes with challenges and dangers. Join us for a discussion that
focuses on how pilots can prepare for and safely navigate the dangerous conditions associated
with mountain flying. We will emphasize the importance of understanding the role hazards and
weather play. We will highlight critical strategies for risk mitigation, proper route planning, and
decision-making to ensure a safe and successful flight.

ATC & You: How Does it All Work

Discover how air traffic control orchestrates a flight from runway to touchdown. Follow the
coordinated roles of tower, TRACON, and ARTCC as they exchange critical data, manage
seamless handoffs, and guide aircraft through changing airspace. See how information flows
between facilities, keeping each stage of the journey connected from departure to arrival.

ATC & You: IFR from Clearance to Cancellation

We’ll cover how to pick up an IFR clearance both on the ground at an uncontrolled airport and
while airborne. We’ll also explore why the route you file isn’t always the route you fly, helping
you better understand how ATC decisions are made. Additionally, we’ll discuss the reasons
behind airborne reroutes—why they happen, when to expect them, and what factors contribute
to these changes.

ATC & You: Lessons From the Real World

Delve into real-life emergency situations faced by air traffic controllers, offering an inside look at
decision-making and coordination required in high-pressure moments. Following a replay of
each emergency, the session opens into a discussion between the audience and air traffic
controllers, offering the chance to analyze what was handled effectively and explore areas for
improvement. The session aims to promote deeper understanding of air traffic management
during emergencies.

ATC & You: Navigating Weather Together

Together we will examine the challenges of navigating weather as a pilot and the important role
air traffic control plays in helping ensure safety. Topics include the risks of VFR into IMC, pilot
reports (PIREPs), and responding to icing and thunderstorms. We’ll also touch on how ATC can
assist during weather-related emergencies and discuss basic threat mitigation strategies to help
pilots make safer, more informed decisions when facing adverse weather.

ATC & You: Rock Your Wings: Flying Into KOSH

Planning to fly in and out of OSH? Don’t miss our essential briefing for pilots who want to fly into
the world’s busiest airport. From flying the Fisk arrival, to wing rock, we’ll cover what you really
need to know—based on real-world experience. Learn how to plan smart, fly safely, and handle
the unexpected. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, come sharpen your skills, ask
questions, and hear stories that could save you time, stress, and fuel. Get ready to rock your
wings!

ATC & You: SIDs and STARs

Let’s take the mystery out of SIDs and STARs for GA, airline, and business jet pilots alike.
Whether you’re in a single engine piston or a high-performance jet, you’ll learn how to choose
the correct procedure, interpret key chart elements, handle ATC changes on the fly, and avoid
common mistakes that trip up even experienced pilots. With real-world examples and practical
tips, you’ll leave better equipped to make your departures and arrivals smoother, safer, and
more efficient.

ATC & You: Stuck Mic

Bringing together pilots and controllers in a Q&A-style environment where no question is too
basic or too bold. Whether you’re curious about how controllers handle busy airspace, what they
wish pilots knew, or how to navigate communication challenges, this is your chance to hear it
straight from ATC. Designed to foster mutual understanding and improve safety through clearer
communication, this session encourages honest conversation, shared experiences, and a few
laughs along the way.

ATC & You: Teaming Up When Trouble Hits

Inflight emergencies are a daily occurrence. Join us for a discussion on handling in-flight
emergencies with a spotlight on how ATC can assist. Geared to all pilots, it covers what to
expect from ATC during various types of emergencies, how to communicate clearly under
pressure, and best practices for managing distress situations. From engine failures to medical
issues, learn how to work with ATC, helping you stay focused, safe, and make sound decisions
when it matters most.

Pilot Outreach

NATCA is proud to support outreach to the aviation community through presentations, briefings, and events. Many of our sessions qualify for FAA WINGS credit to help pilots stay current and informed. We believe in building strong connections between pilots and controllers to enhance safety and understanding. For questions or to connect with us, email [email protected].

NATCA Booth Class Schedule at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

ATC & You: Pilot / Controller Communications

To support safe and effective flight operations, NATCA has created a set of downloadable information cards for general aviation pilots. These resources cover a range of important topics to help strengthen communication and coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers. Each card offers clear, practical guidance that reflects common questions and scenarios.

These materials are designed to support continuing education and are often used in presentations that qualify for FAA WINGS credit. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced aviator, we encourage you to explore these resources to enhance your understanding of ATC operations and improve flight safety.

To import the downloadable card(s) into ForeFlight:

STEP 1. From the iPad or iPhone on which ForeFlight is installed, open the link to the informational card(s) PDF you want to import in a web browser, such as Safari.
STEP 2. Tap the Send To button (a square with an up-arrow) in the upper right. A menu will be presented.
STEP 3. Swipe through the row of apps and tap on ForeFlight. If ForeFlight is not found, select the More button at the end of the row of apps and choose ForeFlight from the new view. ForeFlight Mobile will open on the Documents page, and a popover will be presented.
STEP 4. Select Documents to save the document in the Documents view. The document will be imported and displayed.

After attending one of our presentations, we invite you to share your feedback through a brief pilot survey. Your input helps us improve future outreach and ensure we’re covering the topics that matter most to you. Complete the survey here.

In serving NATCA members in their vital work, NATCA also strives to further the public’s interest in safe and efficient air transportation. You can help NATCA in pursuit of this cause by becoming an associate member. By doing so, you will be supporting the thousands of men and women who run the safest, most efficient airspace in the world. Become a NATCA Associate Member today!