I enjoy tuning into air traffic control audio, as it can be quite amusing. If we’re being truthful, many of the viral interactions involving New York air traffic controllers aren’t particularly positive. However, here’s a notable exception, to an extent I don’t believe I’ve encountered before.
**ATC is curious about what everyone is doing!**
VASAviation has air traffic control audio captured shortly before Thanksgiving, spanning a 40-minute duration. This features a New York TRACON controller, overseeing approaches and departures in the area.
In general, air traffic control communication is concise and direct, lacking much casual conversation. Yet, one air traffic controller had some extra time and chose to interact with pilots. The nearly 12 minutes of audio from VASAviation undoubtedly brings a big smile to my face.
Amid essential communications, the controller takes it upon himself to inquire about each pilot’s origin, what they are doing, their Thanksgiving plans, etc. It’s not merely a one-sided exchange; he genuinely engages with them in a delightfully humorous manner. You can listen to the audio below, and I’ll leave it at that.
**It’s heartwarming to witness people enjoying their roles**
I’m certain some might argue it’s irresponsible for the air traffic controller to engage in this non-essential communication on frequency. While I would usually concur, I find this entire interaction to be a breath of fresh air.
For starters, it fosters a wonderful connection between pilots and air traffic controllers, even when there’s often some tension present (like with “fuel management is your issue, not mine,” buddy).
Truly, the manner in which the air traffic controller interacts with pilots is so unusual that I believe nearly all the pilots on frequency couldn’t help but feel both bewildered and pleased to experience such a pleasant exchange, which is evident by how they “sign off” when transitioning frequencies.
I’m curious whether this individual is consistently this amiable, if he was simply in a particularly good mood leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, or what the case may be. It seems to me that we would have heard about him sooner if this was a regular occurrence.
**In conclusion**
It’s not common for air traffic controllers in the New York region to draw attention for their friendliness, making this recent air traffic control communication quite remarkable. Hats off to this guy; what an enjoyable and engaging person, in a world where many often don’t make an effort to bring smiles to others.
**What are your thoughts on this air traffic controller’s interactions?**