Webinar Video: Ask an Air Traffic Controller with Roland Ratliff, Cincinnati Approach
It’s not uncommon for pilots to have some fear of interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) often concerned with making a mistake or of being judged by others on frequency. Not only is that the wrong attitude, but it can also deprive you of valuable services and even compromise safety. Controllers are humans just like pilots, and they’re actually there to help.
Quality Control Support Manager, Roland Ratliff, from Cincinnati Approach Control discusses what controllers expect from pilots, plus some tips for your next request to ATC.
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now serves as Chief Instructor at Sporty's Academy and directs the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Training Program. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.
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