Professional Standards Committee Update – NATCA Memo
Fellow Pilots,
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between your IBT 2118 Professional Standards Committee and the NATCA (National Air Traffic Controllers Association) Professional Standards Committee.
This collaboration is intended to provide a constructive, peer-to-peer pathway for addressing pilot–controller interpersonal issues outside of any formal or regulatory process.
As line pilots, we work with a wide range of air traffic controllers every day, often in high workload and time-critical environments. The vast majority of these interactions are professional and effective. However, when communication breaks down or professionalism is called into question, this partnership gives us a direct and confidential way to address those concerns.
The NATCA Professional Standards Committee consists of more than 400 volunteer controllers working in towers, TRACONs, and centers across the United States. This broad representation allows for meaningful, peer-level engagement regardless of where an issue occurs.
If you experience an issue with ATC that you believe warrants follow-up, you can contact our Professional Standards Committee. We will coordinate directly with the NATCA Professional Standards team. There is no FAA involvement, no formal reporting, and no enforcement component. Only trained union volunteers working together to promote professionalism and improve working relationships.
How This Can Work
Unprofessional Communication
You are operating in a busy environment and receive responses from a controller that come across as dismissive or unnecessarily sharp. The interaction adds stress during a critical phase of flight.
Rather than escalating or ignoring it, you contact Professional Standards. We coordinate with NATCA PS, and the concern is addressed confidentially with the controller to promote awareness and professionalism.
Communication Breakdown
During a reroute or complex clearance, communication becomes strained and unproductive between you and ATC. Frustration builds on both sides.
Professional Standards can help review the situation from both perspectives. NATCA PS can follow up with the controller, while also providing insight that may help improve pilot-side communication.
Perceived Targeting or Inconsistency
You feel your flight is being handled differently than others in similar circumstances, whether in sequencing, tone, or responsiveness. Professional Standards can facilitate a neutral review with NATCA PS to better understand what occurred and address any concerns in a constructive, non-punitive manner.
Opportunity for Improvement
You notice recurring challenges in pilot–controller interactions, such as phraseology or expectations that create confusion. This process allows both groups to address trends early and collaboratively, before they become larger issues.
Moving Forward
This partnership reflects a shared commitment between pilots and controllers to maintain a professional, respectful, and safe operating environment. When issues arise, direct peer engagement is often the most effective way to resolve them.
If you believe an interaction you have had could benefit from this process, we encourage you to reach out to your IBT 2118 Professional Standards Committee. We are here as a resource for you.
Fraternally,
Your Professional Standards Committee
ProStandards@apa2118.org