Say thank you
How to thank air traffic controllersFive ways to show appreciation, from a note on the wall to the radio.How to thank pilotsKind words that reach the flight deck.Thank-you message ideasExamples to copy, tweak and send.ATC Appreciation DayOctober 20, and six ways to celebrate.
How ATC works
What do controllers do?Tower vs. TRACON vs. center, in plain English.Who handled my flight?Type your route and see every team along the way.Flight routesDistance, flight time and the controllers on 500 busy routes.Why is my flight delayed?Ground stops and delay programs explained.Why is my plane circling?Holding patterns and go-arounds.How to become a controllerRequirements, training and pay.
Speak like a pilot
Phonetic alphabetAlpha to Zulu, plus a name speller.ATC lingo glossaryRoger, wilco, squawk and more.Airline callsignsWhy British Airways is "Speedbird."Squawk codesWhat 7700, 7600 and 7500 mean.
Live tools
What plane is flying over me?Live flights overhead, and who is watching them.Live airport delaysFAA ground stops and delays right now.Flight restrictions todayTFRs and drone no-fly zones, live from the FAA.Can I fly my drone here?Drone no-fly zones and FAA approval altitudes for any spot.Rocket launch scheduleUpcoming launches from Florida and beyond.Airshow scheduleBlue Angels, Thunderbirds and the big shows.Airport codesLook up any U.S. airport code.Flight distance calculatorMiles and flight time between airports.Every ATC facilityFrequencies, runways and thank-you walls.Aviation gamesQuizzes and the callsign matching game.