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PropHatCat Purrsents

PropHatCat

PropHatCat Purrsents is a podcast dedicated to breaking down the world of air traffic control and aviation through real conversations with the people who live it every day.

I’m bringing on pilots, controllers, dispatchers, and aviation professionals to talk about what actually happens behind the scenes… the decisions, the misunderstandings, and the moments that don’t make it into the textbooks.

This isn’t about hot takes or guesswork. It’s about clarity, accuracy, and building a better understanding between both sides of the frequency.

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16 episodes
daily
Avg 9 min
English

Episodes 16

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S3 · E2
Monday · 4 min
ATC Debrief, Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026
The conversation discusses recent changes in air traffic control regulations, focusing on visual separation, VFR and IFR interactions, drone operations, and the SMART program's impact on flight routing. These updates aim to enhance safety and efficiency in air traffic management. Pilot-applied visual separation FAA Notice JO 7110.804. Issued April 28; effective October 28, 2026; stated cancellation December 24, 2026. Full visual-separation prerequisites and coordination requirements remain applicable. Education value: high, particularly for explaining controller intervention after a pilot accepts visual separation. www.faa.gov Basic radar-service separation FAA Notice JO 7110.803 and FAA issuance record. Issued April 28; effective October 28, 2026; stated cancellation December 24, 2026. Qualifications include the ISR-display exclusion, wake-turbulence requirements, and helicopter/powered-lift exceptions. The notice also changes related Chapter 7 provisions. Education value: high, with the service’s scope and the 1½-mile instruction trigger explained accurately. www.faa.gov Drone authorization processing FAA Order JO 7200.23E. Issued October 1; effective October 31, 2026. Replaces JO 7200.23D and incorporates earlier policy. Operational effects depend on individual approvals and coordination requirements. Education value: moderate, for explaining how authorization conditions shape operations. www.faa.gov SMART’s reported early results DOT’s October 30 republication of the New York Post report is secondary reporting hosted by DOT. The FAA SMART fact sheet provides primary program context. The cited report does not supply flight-level data or comparison methodology. Possible effects on sector demand in the script are inference, not measured workload findings. Education value: moderate, for explaining planning support and the limits of early performance claims.
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S3 · E1
October 19 · 4 min
ATC Debrief, October 19 2026
The Brief covers recent developments in air traffic control, including a new controller pay agreement, the return of flight deck observation training, and discussions surrounding the implementation of new technologies in air traffic management. Takeaways Controller pay agreement announced Return of flight deck training Show notes Controller pay: DOT announcement and NATCA confirmation. Announced October 16; effective October 18, retroactive to the beginning of 2026. Detailed workforce implementation and individual payment timing require further guidance. Flight Deck Training: FAA announcement, October 14, and JO 3120.29D. Formal program launch expected after Thanksgiving. SMART oversight: Congressional request, October 13, and FAA’s description of the system. The request does not establish a suspension or confirmed safety defect. Surface surveillance: FAA Notice JO 7110.807. Effective October 18, 2026; cancellation date June 10, 2027. Potential effects on upstream traffic are inference, not measured results.
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S2 · E1
October 8 · 5 min
Decoding ATC with the Archies: Eastern Region, New York TRACON
The conversation delves into the intricate behind-the-scenes coordination among air traffic controllers during an emergency landing scenario, highlighting the teamwork and communication required to ensure safety. It emphasizes the critical role of controllers in managing information flow and decision-making to assist pilots effectively during emergencies. From the 2025 awards committee: Barth realized that, in addition to the standard coordination of emergency services and acquiring field weather information, the clear conditions in the area meant many Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft were operating in the vicinity. He quickly coordinated with adjacent facilities to have air traffic control alert the potentially affected aircraft to allow the Pilatus a smooth transition to the field. He coordinated the relative position of the aircraft, that they would be coming in from a higher than standard altitude, and an alternate runway to facilitate their landing based on their direction. Due to quick thinking and many coordination calls, Barth helped facilitate N928PG making a safe landing at Stewart. After the event, James said to New York TRACON Facility Representative Joe Segretto:, “I just worked a PC-12 from ZNY in the flight levels with no engine into Stewart, and the pilot was absolutely amazing.” As Barth reflected on the experience, he cited the strong training he had had throughout his time at Washington Center (ZDC) and N90 as critical elements to making the choices he did that day. “Every day is always a training day because you’re constantly learning, up until the day you retire,” said Barth who also serves as the N90 Training Representative. Barth also cited his experience as a private pilot, helping him to understand what the aviator was going through at the moment. James would like to thank his trainers including, but not limited to, Bob Funari (ZDC), Jim Ahlers (ZDC), and Mike Browning (ZDC). He would also like to thank Operations Supervisor Joe Gilbert for quickly springing into action to assist. Nominator and colleague Mike Shanahan (N90) said, “Barth addressed all aspects of the aircraft emergency without missing a beat. His ability to remain calm under pressure, provide clear and decisive guidance, and maintain the highest standards of excellence demonstrates his unwavering dedication to the aviation community.” Segretto concluded, “[James] is the epitome of a safety professional and a dedicated air traffic controller. Not only is he one of the best air traffic controllers I’ve had the honor of working alongside for the past 16 years at N90, I’m also proud to say he’s one of my truest friends and one of the best coworkers anyone could ask for.” Takeaways Behind-the-scenes coordination is crucial Effective communication enhances safety Chapters 00:00 Behind the Scenes of Air Traffic Control 01:14 Emergency Coordination in Action 04:03 Streamlining Pilot Communication 05:52 Successful Emergency Landing
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S1 · E13
September 11 · 4 min
Episode 13. Mark DiPalmo 9/11 at New York ARTCC (ZNY)
The testimony from Mark DiPalmo, a New York center controller, provides a firsthand account of the events on September 11, 2001. It captures the routine day turned tragic, the efforts to minimize the threat and ground flights, and the emotional impact and personal reflections of the aftermath. Takeaways The morning of September 11, 2001, marked a tragic turning point for air traffic controllers and aviation professionals. The response and accomplishments of the air traffic controllers on September 11, 2001, demonstrated their resilience and dedication to their profession. Chapters 00:00 The Morning of September 11, 2001 02:57 Clearing the Airspace 04:00 Aftermath and Reflection
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S1 · E12
September 10 · 9 min
Episode 12. James Ekins 9/11 at Boston ARTCC (ZBW)
The episode features the testimony of James Ekins, an air traffic controller at Boston Center on 9/11. It provides a detailed account of the events of that day, including the response of air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals to the hijackings and the subsequent actions taken to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers. Takeaways Air traffic controllers' response to the 9/11 attacks Challenges and decisions faced by air traffic controllers on 9/11
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S1 · E11
September 9 · 4 min
Episode 11. Greg Taccini 9/11 at Boston ARTCC (ZBW)
The episode features the testimony of Greg Taccini, an air traffic controller who worked at Boston Center on September 11, 2001. It provides a firsthand account of the events of that day, including the initial communication with American 11, the realization of the hijacking, and the emotional impact on the controller.
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S1 · E10
September 8 · 5 min
Episode 10. Mark Schermeister 9/11 at Miami ARTCC (ZMA)
The reading of Mark Schirmeister's testimony from 9-11 reveals the normalcy of the day before the tragic events unfolded, the sudden shift in air traffic control operations, and the emotional impact on the controllers. It captures the chaos, fear, and the unprecedented decision to clear the skies. Takeaways Normalcy before chaos Clearing the skies
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S1 · E9
September 7 · 3 min
Episode 9. Timothy Canter 9/11 at New York ARTCC (ZNY)
The episode features the testimony of Timothy Canter, an air traffic controller who was working at New York Center on 9/11. Canter recounts the events of that day, including the handling of American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, as well as the impact of the attacks on air traffic control operations. Takeaways Air traffic controllers' experiences on 9/11 Impact of the attacks on air traffic control
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S1 · E8
September 6 · 3 min
Episode 8. John Whidden 9/11 at Chicago ARTCC (ZAU)
The episode features the testimony of John Whidden, an air traffic controller at Chicago Center, during the 9/11 attacks. It provides a firsthand account of the events and the impact on air traffic control operations. Takeaways Firsthand account of air traffic control during 9/11 Impact of 9/11 on air traffic control operations Chapters 00:00 Initial Reports and Conflicting Information 01:28 Realization of the Enormity of the Situation 02:48 Impact on Airspace and Radar Operations 04:04 Handling the U.S. Attorney General's Flight
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S1 · E7
September 5 · 10 min
Episode 7: Christopher Tucker 9/11 at New York ARTCC (ZNY)
The episode features the statement of Christopher Tucker, an air traffic controller who worked at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center on September 11, 2001. He recounts the events of that day, including the hijackings and the impact on air traffic control operations. Takeaways Air traffic controllers' experiences on 9/11 Challenges and decisions made by air traffic controllers during the 9/11 attacks
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S1 · E6
September 4 · 3 min
Episode 6: Terry Walsh 9/11 at IAD Tower
The episode features the account of Terry Walsh, an air traffic controller at Dulles Tower on September 11th. It provides a firsthand perspective of the events that unfolded on that day, offering insight into the challenges and professionalism of the aviation professionals involved. Takeaways Air Traffic Controllers' Professionalism Impact of September 11th on Aviation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Terry Walsh's Account 01:03 The Morning of September 11th at Dulles Tower 02:17 Impact on Air Traffic Control Operations 03:15 Challenges and Response to the Events 04:28 Unity and Reflection
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S1 · E5
September 3 · 2 min
Episode 5: Jadyne Seitz 9/11 at DCA Tower
As the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches, air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals reflect on the events of that day. Their testimonies provide insight into the challenges and impact of the tragic events on the aviation industry. Takeaways Reflections on the impact of September 11th Challenges faced by air traffic controllers Chapters 00:00 Reflections on September 11th 03:20 Challenges in Air Traffic Control
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S1 · E4
September 2 · 4 min
Episode 4: Gregory Wojcik 9/11 at ZDC
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, this conversation shares first-hand accounts from air traffic controllers and professionals who experienced the events of that day and helped guide the nation's aviation system through it. The episode features the testimony of Gregory Wojik, an air traffic professional who was working at Washington Center on September 11th, 2001. Takeaways First-hand accounts from air traffic professionals Insights into the experiences of air traffic controllers on September 11th Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the 25th Anniversary 04:00 The Events of September 11th, 2001 06:04 Response and Actions of Air Traffic Controllers 08:13 Impact and Aftermath
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S1 · E3
September 1 · 10 min
Episode 3: John Carr, Former NATCA President, 9/11 Statement
The recording revolves around the experiences of air traffic controllers and NATCA members during the 9/11 attacks, highlighting their response, challenges, and the impact on their lives. It also touches on the broader impact of the attacks on the nation and the world. Takeaways Air traffic controllers' response to the 9/11 attacks was a remarkable display of professionalism and dedication. The 9/11 attacks had a profound and lasting impact on the aviation community and the nation as a whole. Chapters 00:00 The Start of the Day 01:15 The Unfolding Tragedy 03:07 Emergency Response and Contingency Plans 04:19 Nationwide Impact and Ground Stops 05:25 Coordinating Emergency Response 06:07 Grounding of Aircraft and ATC History 07:15 Preventing Further Attacks 08:11 Support and Response Efforts 09:36 Recovery and Support Efforts 10:00 Emergency Operations and Challenges 11:08 Critical Decision-Making and Support 12:24 Impact and Reflections on 9/11
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S1 · E2
August 16 · 17 min
Episode 2: Identical Callsign Confusion!
The conversation discusses the handling of two airplanes with identical call signs in Phoenix, highlighting the air traffic control procedures, emphasis for clarity, mandatory occurrence reports, and addressing recurring identification problems. It also explores local adaptation for flight training and the resolution of conflict in air traffic situations. Takeaways Air traffic control procedures for handling identical call signs Importance of emphasis for clarity in communication Chapters 00:00 Identical Call Signs 03:16 Air Traffic Control Procedure 05:19 Emphasis for Clarity 06:04 Differentiating Call Signs 14:06 Mandatory Occurrence Report 16:17 Addressing Recurring Identification Problems 19:08 Local Adaptation for Flight Training 21:34 Resolving Conflict and Learning
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S1 · E1
March 17 · 58 min
Episode 1: PHENOMenal Electrical Failure
The conversation delves into the behind-the-scenes world of air traffic control, focusing on the experience of handling emergencies, particularly an electrical failure incident. It explores the challenges of communication, decision-making, and the impact on passengers and aircraft status. The conversation delves into the critical themes of support and coordination, teamwork and improvisation, navigational challenges and solutions, utilizing radio playbacks and stress management, the aftermath and emotional impact, and the passion for air traffic control and appreciation. Takeaways Air traffic controllers face frequent emergencies and must respond with precision and composure. The impact of emergencies on passengers and the aircraft is a critical consideration in air traffic control. Importance of effective support and coordination during emergencies The emotional impact and aftermath of high-stress situations Chapters 00:00 Behind the Scenes of Air Traffic Control 09:00 The Electrical Failure Emergency 15:26 Navigating the Emergency Landing 21:02 Information Gathering and Decision Making 27:36 The Importance of Support and Coordination 36:30 Utilizing Radio Playbacks and Stress Management 47:42 The Aftermath and Emotional Impact 56:36 Passion for Air Traffic Control and Appreciation
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