A PILOT/CONTROLLER FORUM WITH A TWIST

FINNISH “WRESTLING CRUISE “: PAINIRISTEILY

The idea to organize a pilot/controller get-together in Finland started in the early 1980s when both sides were confronted with frequent arguments on the frequency between Finnish controllers and the local airline pilots. To resolve these, they began organizing a get-together in a remote hotel. The aim was to try and amicably understand each other’s issues. In the late 1980s, the meetings relocated to a ferryboat that cruised from Helsinki to Stockholm (Sweden). Besides Finnish Pilots’ Association members, the controllers also” wrestle” with military, coast guard and helicopter pilots. Kimmo Koivula, our IFATCA Rep to the IFALPA ATS Committee, has been the proud organizer from the Finnish ATCA side for over 20 years.

Besides the official agenda of the two-day event, socializing is an integral part of the concept to get controllers and pilots talking openly and frankly to create greater awareness and understanding for each other.

Around 100 Finnish pilots and controllers attended the most recent “Painiristeily” in October 2024. Some Air Force F-18 pilots and the Finnish aviation regulator were also present. Philippe Domogala was present to represent IFATCA, and his presentation on GNSS interference was exceptionally well received. The regulator was especially interested, as they lacked information on this topic. One of the Air Force pilots even planned to use part of the presentation to brief his colleagues.

On the second day, an open discussion forum encouraged everyone to share their views and questions. Moderators were Atte Jokinen, an A350 captain and Jore Karila, a supervisor in EFHK. The forum was named “Karate SID” (Standard Instrument Departures. It made for a great concept to pass profound messages and interactively engage aviation colleagues. And as is not unusual for these kinds of events, the social events after the meetings play a crucial bounding role here. It’s a superb concept!

Kimmo and the Finnish Association significantly raise the bar for our profession in organizing such events. It was also an excellent opportunity to promote IFATCA’s work, including the 100 Years Air Traffic Control book!