What Air Traffic Controllers Really See, Think and Want Pilots to Know
What does a controller see when you check in, and what frustrates them? A Houston Center controller explains.
What does an air traffic controller actually see when you check in, and why do some pilot habits drive them crazy?
In Episode 350, Houston Center controller Marcus Miller, known as Prop Hat Cat, answers both, and explains how pilots can make a controller’s day easier.
- 01What the data block’s numbers and symbols mean
- 02Why TRACON controllers don’t know your destination
- 03How cross-coupling causes frequency congestion
- 04What happens when the FAA gives you a phone number
- 05Controller pet peeves, and their favorite pilots
- 06How CPDLC and new technology are changing ATC
What controllers see
Marcus explains the data block and what its numbers and symbols mean, why TRACON controllers don’t know a flight’s destination, and the radar technology behind the scope, which dates from the 1960s.
Making their job easier
He explains why pilots should wait before checking in, how cross-coupling causes frequency congestion, and how CPDLC is changing communication. Controllers also need pilots’ help with flight following.
Phone numbers and Brasher warnings
What happens when the FAA gives you a phone number? Marcus says 90% of pilot deviations are learning opportunities rather than punishments, and he has never had to give one out himself.
Pet peeves and the future
Constant weather questions and pilots who try to outsmart the system top his list. He also covers how attitude affects a controller’s day, academy training, Florida as the wild west of aviation, possible consolidation, and the Enhanced CTI program.
Marcus Miller
Marcus Miller, known as Prop Hat Cat, is an air traffic controller at Houston Center. He started controlling virtual aircraft at 14 in his mother’s bakery.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Brasher warning?
It is the notice a controller gives a pilot about a possible pilot deviation, often with a phone number to call. Marcus explains what happens next in this episode.
Are most pilot deviations punished?
Marcus says 90% of pilot deviations are treated as learning opportunities rather than punishments.
What do controllers wish pilots knew?
Marcus covers waiting before checking in, avoiding frequency congestion, and helping with flight following.
