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PropHatCat Purrsents: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago4 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 separationFAA 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.govBasic radar-service separationFAA 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.govDrone authorization processingFAA 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.govSMART’s reported early resultsDOT’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.
- 2 weeks ago4 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.TakeawaysController pay agreement announcedReturn of flight deck trainingShow notesController 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.
- 4 weeks ago5 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.” TakeawaysBehind-the-scenes coordination is crucialEffective communication enhances safetyChapters00:00 Behind the Scenes of Air Traffic Control01:14 Emergency Coordination in Action04:03 Streamlining Pilot Communication05:52 Successful Emergency Landing
- Sep 11, 20264 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.TakeawaysThe 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.Chapters00:00 The Morning of September 11, 200102:57 Clearing the Airspace04:00 Aftermath and Reflection
- Sep 10, 20269 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.TakeawaysAir traffic controllers' response to the 9/11 attacksChallenges and decisions faced by air traffic controllers on 9/11
- Sep 9, 20264 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.
- Sep 8, 20265 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.TakeawaysNormalcy before chaosClearing the skies
- Sep 7, 20263 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.TakeawaysAir traffic controllers' experiences on 9/11Impact of the attacks on air traffic control
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About PropHatCat Purrsents
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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