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Quality of Service

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots, as PICs, have the power and responsibility to address subpar Air Traffic Control (ATC) service that affects flight safety or efficiency, viewing themselves as "customers" of the National Airspace System.
  • When ATC Quality of Service (QoS) declines (e.g., delayed transmissions or unclear instructions), pilots should promptly speak up on frequency, maintaining professionalism, especially in critical situations.
  • For persistent or post-flight concerns, pilots can formally address issues by contacting the controlling agency's Air Traffic Manager or supervisor with specific incident details like callsign, time, and frequency.
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What should you do when you’re flying along and waiting for a very important transmission from ATC but you don’t get it on time, or even minutes after? Or perhaps you notice something that sounds off or that you are not sure about. When you figure out that something needs be said, what exactly do you say? As PIC, pilots have more power than they realize, especially when dealing with abnormal scenarios.

What is ATC QoS?

How many times have you observed a customer service person performing below reasonable expectations? You might well have ultimately given up and expressed a need for a higher level of service such as a supervisor. Sometimes, I have to really work hard at keeping my patience when dealing with a situation like this. Yes, I know they are doing a job and maybe some of them are just there to collect a paycheck. Of course, you can’t force someone to like their job or do it well.

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