Explore every episode of the podcast IFATCA's Spotlight Podcast

GATE Aviation Training will host IFATCA's Technical and Operational Committee (TOC) in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 7th to 9th. On this occasion, GATE Aviation Training's Dirch Jans talks to IFATCA podcast host Thorsten Raue. He shares insights on innovative approaches to ATC training, emphasising personalised, culture-aware, and technology-supported methods to prepare future air traffic controllers.

This episode of the IFATCA Spotlight podcast, hosted by Thorsten Raue, features Vanessa Godoy from Chile's Air Traffic Controllers' association, the Colegio de Controladores de Tránsito Aéreo de Chile (founded in 1994). Vanessa shares how her late father inspired her ATC career, which began in 2006. She now controls at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez tower and teaches future controllers. She discusses Chile's roughly 580 controllers, 24 airports, mountainous departure challenges, oceanic control covering Easter Island, bilingual Spanish/English operations, and demanding 12-hour shifts. As South American RVP, she also highlights IFATCA's family spirit and invites colleagues to Chile's regional meeting, October 6–8, 2026, in Santiago.

In this IFATCA Spotlight episode, host Torsten Raue speaks with Icelandic controllers Eygló and Mái about their member association FIF and Iceland's unique ATC environment. Both stumbled into the profession from computer science backgrounds. Iceland operates three controlled airports and manages one of the world's largest oceanic airspaces at 5.6 million square kilometers. Key challenges include extreme and rapidly changing weather at Keflavik, crossing runways, and increasing NATO military traffic. The episode also covers Iceland's strong CISM program, ongoing modernization projects including surface movement radar, and both controllers' ambitions to help shape the future of Icelandic aviation.

Dive into the latest IFATCA Spotlight podcast as we explore the unique world of air traffic control in South Africa with Palesa Msibi from the Guild of Air Traffic Controllers of South Africa (GATCA). From the bustling skies over Johannesburg to the intricate coordination with neighbouring countries like Lesotho and Eswatini, Palesa shares her journey—from a ground hostess in the military to becoming an air traffic controller. Discover how South Africa’s diverse linguistic landscape (with 12 official languages!) and cutting-edge technologies such as ADS-B and CPDLC are shaping the future of ATC in the region.

Ever wondered how air traffic controllers manage the vast, often uncontrolled airspace over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans? Palesa reveals the challenges and innovations, from HF radio backups to the busiest domestic route (Cape Town to Johannesburg). Plus, learn about GATSCA’s mission to grow its membership and support the next generation of controllers—maybe even over a round of golf! Tune in for a fascinating glimpse into the skies of South Africa.

In this episode, our host Thorsten Raue interviews Helena Sjöström Falk, who was re-elected as IFATCA President and CEO during the 2026 Annual Conference. Helena shares insights from the recent Annual Conference in Bucharest (Romania), discusses the Federation's structure, goals, and plans, and highlights the importance of diversity, influence, and collaboration in air traffic control.

In the 20th episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Tapio Puisto, a member of the Finnish Air Traffic Controllers Association (FATCA). They discuss Tapio's journey into air traffic control, the structure and operations of Finnish ATC, the challenges posed by weather and geopolitical issues, and the future of air traffic management in Finland, including innovative projects like the Multi Remote Operated Tower.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue engages with Ryunosuke and Hana, representatives from the Japanese Federation of Air Traffic Controllers (JFATC). They discuss the unique aspects of air traffic control (ATC) in Japan, including rigorous training, challenges in managing both civil and military air traffic, and cultural nuances that shape the work environment. Ryunosuke shares his journey into ATC, inspired by a Japanese TV drama, while Hana recounts her high school encounter with an ATC that sparked her interest in the field. The conversation also touches on the JFATC's role in promoting the profession and the importance of mental health support for controllers through peer programs.

The episode also touches on the complexities of operating in Japan's airspace, including the division of responsibilities among various control centres and the unique challenges posed by the country's geography. Ryunosuke and Hana also discuss the upcoming Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in Tokyo, emphasising the importance of collaboration in ensuring runway safety and effective communication in aviation. Their insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of ATC in Japan, showcasing both the challenges and the camaraderie that define their profession.

In the first episode of 2026, IFATCA Spotlight podcast host Thorsten Raue interviews Cristian Radu, a prominent figure in Romanian air traffic control and a liaison officer with our Romanian Member Association RATCA. Cristian shares his journey into air traffic control, the challenges faced by RATCA as a professional association, and the structure of air traffic control in Romania, including the recent introduction of remote tower operations. The conversation also delves into the impact of the Ukraine war on Romanian airspace, the implementation of team resource management and critical incident stress management, and the community engagement through EDCO sports events. Cristian provides insights into the upcoming IFATCA conference in Bucharest and highlights Romania's rich culture and cuisine.

In this last episode of 2025, IFATCA Spotlight host Thorsten Raue engages with Benjamin Fichtner and Jesse Giacometti, representatives of our Swiss Member Association Helvetica. They discuss their journey into air traffic control, the formation of Helvetica, challenges faced in European airspace management, gender representation in the field, and the unique aspects of Swiss air traffic control. The conversation also touches on communication protocols, team resource management, and community engagement through sports activities. The episode concludes with insights into the future of Helvetica and leadership changes within the organization.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Thorsten Raue interviews Andy Mullins, an air traffic controller from the Irish Air Traffic Controllers Association. They discuss the background of air traffic control in Ireland, the career path to becoming a controller, the role of the association, and the challenges faced in the industry. The conversation also covers the management of airspace, the dynamics of traffic flow, and the implementation of team resource management in Ireland. It further focuses on the positive work environment at Shannon ACC, the importance of critical incident stress management and peer support, and the challenges of addressing workplace stress and substance abuse. They explore operational differences between Shannon and Dublin centres, advanced technology in air traffic control systems, and the unique aspects of Irish airspace. The conversation also touches on the future of air traffic control, including the integration of AI and the implementation of the TopSky system, emphasising the need for controller involvement in these developments.

In anticipation of the IFATCA Asia/Pacific Regional Meeting, our Spotlight host, Thorsten Raue, interviews Raymond Tam, the president of the Macau Air Traffic Controller Association. They discuss the unique challenges and operations of air traffic control in Macau, including the region's airspace coordination with Hong Kong and China, the layout of Macau International Airport, and the upcoming Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting. Raymond shares insights into his journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the role of the association, and future developments in air traffic management in Macau.

The upcoming IFATCA European Regional Meeting is the perfect opportunity to listen to this episode of IFATCA Spotlight. Our host, Thorsten Raue, discusses the intricacies of air traffic control in Italy with his guests Alessandra Piotto and Fabrizio Fiorente. They explore the career paths for air traffic controllers, the transformation of services, the role of ANACNA, gender dynamics in the field, the challenges faced by regional airports, and the future of Fiumicino Airport. The conversation also delves into the structure of Italian airspace, language use in air traffic control, the ongoing digital transformation, and, of course, the upcoming European Regional Meeting in Bologna.

Traveling to the Americas Regional Meeting in Aruba? Why not get in the mood with the latest episode of IFATCA Spotlight. Our host, Thorsten Raue, interviews members of the Aruba Air Traffic Controllers Association (ATCAA) to explore their experiences, challenges, and the unique aspects of air traffic control in Aruba. The conversation covers the journey to becoming an air traffic controller, changes in service levels, the dynamics of working in a small island environment, and the importance of coordination with both air and maritime traffic. The episode also highlights the upcoming Americas Regional Meeting and the beauty of working in Aruba's picturesque setting.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Thorsten Raue interviews Andre Budi Situmorang, a representative of the Indonesia Air Traffic Controllers Association. They discuss Andre's journey into air traffic control, the evolution of training in Indonesia, the structure of Indonesian airspace, and the challenges faced by air traffic controllers in the region. The conversation also touches on the importance of language in coordination, the need for critical incident stress management, and the role of team resource management in ensuring effective communication among controllers. Additionally, they explore the impact of seasonal traffic and weather challenges on air traffic management in Indonesia.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Renz Bulseco interviews Miriam Kelm, an air traffic controller and executive board member of GDF, the German air traffic controllers' association. They discuss Miriam's journey into air traffic control, the roles and responsibilities within GDF, the challenges of gender representation in the field, and the impact of weather on air traffic management. The conversation also touches on mental health support for controllers, training processes, and the future of air traffic control, including the implementation of remote towers.

In this tenth episode of the IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Renz from the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCA). Renz shares his journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the challenges faced during training, and his involvement with IFATCA. He discusses the operations of PATCA, the organisation of air traffic control in the Philippines, and the impact of technology on their work. The conversation also touches on the importance of teamwork, stress management, and the camaraderie within the air traffic control community, including sports and team-building activities.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Sean Blair and Petro Pinnock from the Jamaica Air Traffic Controller Association (JATCA). They discuss the journey to becoming air traffic controllers in Jamaica, the history and structure of JATCA, the traffic flow and operations at Jamaican airports, and future developments in the aviation sector.

The conversation highlights the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and the importance of their role in managing air traffic, especially in a tourist-heavy region like Jamaica. This conversation delves into the intricacies of air traffic control in Jamaica, focusing on vacation planning, external coordination challenges, automation, critical incident stress management, team resource management initiatives, and the impact of weather on operations. The speakers share insights into their unique cultural context and the importance of maintaining high service standards despite challenges.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Maitha Alobeidli, a senior air traffic control officer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They discuss the Emirates Aviation Association, the role of women in air traffic control, the challenges of managing air traffic, and the upcoming IFATCA Global Conference in 2025.

Maitha shares her journey into aviation, the training process for air traffic controllers in the UAE, and the importance of community and recognition within the profession.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Wei Ting, aka Kathy, from the ROCATCA Taiwan, exploring her journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the structure and demographics of air traffic controllers in Taiwan, and the unique challenges faced in managing air traffic in a politically sensitive region. The conversation delves into the operational environment, the importance of teamwork among controllers, and the engagement with pilots to enhance understanding and cooperation. Wei Ting also shares insights on the impact of natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons on air traffic control operations.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, our host Thorsten Raue interviews Olga Toki, a member of the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (ΕΕΕΚΕ-GATCA). They discuss Olga's journey into air traffic control, the challenges air traffic controllers face in Greece, including understaffing and outdated technology, and the importance of safety and teamwork in managing air traffic. The conversation also touches on the future of air traffic control in Greece, including ongoing projects and the need for improved systems.

In this fifth episode, IFATCA Spotlight heads to South America: host Thorsten Raue interviews Fedor Romero, an air traffic controller from Peru. Fedor shares his journey into air traffic control, detailing his training and experiences in Cusco and Lima. The conversation explores the current developments at Lima Airport, including the challenges of managing two runways and the need for more air traffic controllers. Fedor also discusses the role of SUCTA Peru, the association representing air traffic controllers in the country, and provides insights into the structure of Peruvian airspace.

In this episode, we shine a light on air traffic control in Belgium. Maryse and Jasper discuss the challenges they face as controllers in the heart of Europe. That includes batches of VIP flights arriving and departing to/from the very frequent international summits in Brussels.

In this episode, we examine the intricacies of air traffic control in India. Ram Charan Bairwa and Jerry, both experienced ATCOs, discuss the unique challenges they face, including severe weather events and the rapid growth of air travel in their country and region.

IFATCA Spotlight is proud to shine a light on Trinidad and Tobago in this second episode. Our colleagues from Trinidad & Tobago will host the Americas Regional Meeting from the 15th to the 17th of October 2024 in Port of Spain. Two ATCOs from the local association TTATCA talk about their work, local procedures and their association's plans for the America's Regional Meeting.

In its first episode, IFATCA Spotlight is proud to shine a light on North Macedonia, which will host the European Regional Meeting from the 15th to the 17th of October 2024 in Skopje. Two ATCOs, one from tower and one from ACC, talk about their work, local procedures and their Association's plans for the ERM.