Spotlight Episode 21 - Helena Sjöström Falk, IFATCA President and CEO

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.