Spring Safety Highlight: FAA TRACON Education Program Held at Creve Coeur Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

The Greater St. Louis Flight Instructors Association (GSLFIA) hosted an FAA Wings Program session at Creve Coeur Airport Tuesday evening. STL TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility) Controller Pete Seddon returned to provide an interactive, scenario-based discussion covering common issues facing controllers and pilots as they work together to safely navigate U.S. airspace. 

Seddon framed each scenario from the controller's point of view and then led the discussion on the recommended pilot response for a successful outcome. Topics of discussion centered on the importance of see and avoid during cruise flight and visual confirmation of aircraft while under approach control. Another critical safety issue addressed by Seddon during the program was the overreliance of ADS-B data by pilots of general aviation aircraft as well as in large commercial jets. ADS-B data lags real time and the aircraft's transponder may have calibration errors, leading to a false sense of security for anyone relying on ADS-B data instead of maintaining a proper scan. He also reminded the attendees that "Have him on ADS-B" is not a suitable response to a "Maintain visual separation" directive from a controller.

Here we include some views of the session, including introduction of Pete Seddon by GSLFIA President, Keith Mueller, and Board Member Greg Pochapsky.

The Aero Experience thanks the GSLFIA, Pete Seddon, the FAA St. Louis FSDO and everyone who participated in this program. The next TRACON presentation is scheduled for April 22 at the Piston Aviation facility at St. Louis Regional Airport.