PropHatCat Purrsents

PropHatCat Purrsents

byPropHatCat

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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.

Episodes(11 episodes)

Season 1 - Episode 11
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.
Published: Sep 9, 2026Duration: 4m 3s
Season 1 - Episode 10
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
Published: Sep 8, 2026Duration: 5m 49s
Season 1 - Episode 9
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
Published: Sep 7, 2026Duration: 3m 51s
Season 1 - Episode 8
Episode 8. John Whidden 9/11 at Chicago ARTCC (ZAU)
The episode features the testimony of John Whidden, an air traffic controller at Chicago Center, during the 9/11 attacks. It provides a firsthand account of the events and the impact on air traffic control operations.TakeawaysFirsthand account of air traffic control during 9/11Impact of 9/11 on air traffic control operationsChapters00:00 Initial Reports and Conflicting Information01:28 Realization of the Enormity of the Situation02:48 Impact on Airspace and Radar Operations04:04 Handling the U.S. Attorney General's Flight
Published: Sep 6, 2026Duration: 3m 36s
Season 1 - Episode 7
Episode 7: Christopher Tucker 9/11 at New York ARTCC (ZNY)
The episode features the statement of Christopher Tucker, an air traffic controller who worked at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center on September 11, 2001. He recounts the events of that day, including the hijackings and the impact on air traffic control operations.TakeawaysAir traffic controllers' experiences on 9/11Challenges and decisions made by air traffic controllers during the 9/11 attacks
Published: Sep 5, 2026Duration: 10m 54s
Season 1 - Episode 6
Episode 6: Terry Walsh 9/11 at IAD Tower
The episode features the account of Terry Walsh, an air traffic controller at Dulles Tower on September 11th. It provides a firsthand perspective of the events that unfolded on that day, offering insight into the challenges and professionalism of the aviation professionals involved.TakeawaysAir Traffic Controllers' ProfessionalismImpact of September 11th on AviationChapters00:00 Introduction to Terry Walsh's Account01:03 The Morning of September 11th at Dulles Tower02:17 Impact on Air Traffic Control Operations03:15 Challenges and Response to the Events04:28 Unity and Reflection
Published: Sep 4, 2026Duration: 3m 3s
Season 1 - Episode 5
Episode 5: Jadyne Seitz 9/11 at DCA Tower
As the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches, air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals reflect on the events of that day. Their testimonies provide insight into the challenges and impact of the tragic events on the aviation industry.TakeawaysReflections on the impact of September 11thChallenges faced by air traffic controllersChapters00:00 Reflections on September 11th03:20 Challenges in Air Traffic Control
Published: Sep 3, 2026Duration: 2m 51s
Season 1 - Episode 4
Episode 4: Gregory Wojcik 9/11 at ZDC
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, this conversation shares first-hand accounts from air traffic controllers and professionals who experienced the events of that day and helped guide the nation's aviation system through it. The episode features the testimony of Gregory Wojik, an air traffic professional who was working at Washington Center on September 11th, 2001.TakeawaysFirst-hand accounts from air traffic professionalsInsights into the experiences of air traffic controllers on September 11thChapters00:00 Introduction to the 25th Anniversary04:00 The Events of September 11th, 200106:04 Response and Actions...
Published: Sep 2, 2026Duration: 4m 9s
Season 1 - Episode 3
Episode 3: John Carr, Former NATCA President, 9/11 Statement
The recording revolves around the experiences of air traffic controllers and NATCA members during the 9/11 attacks, highlighting their response, challenges, and the impact on their lives. It also touches on the broader impact of the attacks on the nation and the world.TakeawaysAir traffic controllers' response to the 9/11 attacks was a remarkable display of professionalism and dedication.The 9/11 attacks had a profound and lasting impact on the aviation community and the nation as a whole.Chapters00:00 The Start of the Day01:15 The Unfolding Tragedy03:07 Emergency Response and Contingency Plans04:19...
Published: Sep 1, 2026Duration: 10m 6s
Season 1 - Episode 2
Episode 2: Identical Callsign Confusion!
The conversation discusses the handling of two airplanes with identical call signs in Phoenix, highlighting the air traffic control procedures, emphasis for clarity, mandatory occurrence reports, and addressing recurring identification problems. It also explores local adaptation for flight training and the resolution of conflict in air traffic situations.TakeawaysAir traffic control procedures for handling identical call signsImportance of emphasis for clarity in communicationChapters00:00 Identical Call Signs03:16 Air Traffic Control Procedure05:19 Emphasis for Clarity06:04 Differentiating Call Signs14:06 Mandatory Occurrence Report16:17 Addressing Recurring Identification Problems19:08 Local Adaptation for Flight Training21:34...
Published: Aug 16, 2026Duration: 17m 42s
Season 1 - Episode 1
Episode 1: PHENOMenal Electrical Failure
The conversation delves into the behind-the-scenes world of air traffic control, focusing on the experience of handling emergencies, particularly an electrical failure incident. It explores the challenges of communication, decision-making, and the impact on passengers and aircraft status. The conversation delves into the critical themes of support and coordination, teamwork and improvisation, navigational challenges and solutions, utilizing radio playbacks and stress management, the aftermath and emotional impact, and the passion for air traffic control and appreciation.TakeawaysAir traffic controllers face frequent emergencies and must respond with precision and composure.The impact of emergencies...
Published: Mar 17, 2026Duration: 58m 27s