Navigating the Unexpected and Managing Air Traffic: Sharlotte Yealdhall

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René interviews Sharlotte Yealdhall, an air traffic controller and traffic management coordinator with decades of experience across towers, centers, and one of the nation’s busiest airspaces. Sharlotte shares how her journey began at a high school career day in South Africa, the training and persistence it took to qualify in the U.S., and the daily decisions that shape how safely and smoothly aircraft move through the skies.

Tune in as they discuss:

• Sharlotte’s path from South Africa to the FAA Academy and beyond
• Lessons from working at Washington Center, Andrews Air Force Base, and Dulles
• How pilots and controllers can build better understanding through programs like FANS (Future Air Navigation System)

Sharlotte’s career shows the blend of technical expertise, quick decision-making, and human connection that defines air traffic control. Her story underscores how critical this invisible backbone of aviation is to every safe arrival and departure.

About Sharlotte

In 2005, she attended the FAA Academy in Oklahoma, where she successfully completed En-Route training. Shortly after, she began her career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Washington Center (ZDC). Learning the intricacies of Air Traffic along the Eastern Seaboard.

In 2008, Sharlotte transferred to Andrews Air Force Base (KADW) aka “Home of Air Force One” and received her Controller Tower Operator (CTO) certification. Sharlotte gained hands-on experience managing both military and civilian air traffic, along with the complexities of many different airframes. This experience provided her with a diverse and comprehensive understanding of aviation operations.

She then made a significant career move in 2010 by transferring to Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), where she spent over a decade honing her skills in a high-traffic airport environment. Over the years, she became an integral part of the team, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of air traffic while managing complex operational challenges.

Currently, Sharlotte serves as a Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) at Washington Center (ZDC), where she plays a critical role in optimizing air traffic flow and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.

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Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!

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