![]()
Pilots at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on April 12 were scolded for using an emergency frequency to make animal noises.
The pilots were heard meowing and making animal sounds over the guard frequency. The guard frequency is reserved for emergencies only, so it is used infrequently by pilots and ATC. However, it is monitored, according to NBC Washington. The pilots were scolded by another person on the frequency, but only replied with more meows and barks.
"This is why you still fly an RJ," said the other person.
An RJ is slang for a regional jet. Many commercial pilots fly for regional airlines early in their careers. The FAA stated that pilots are prohibited from having non-essential conversations while flying below 10,000 feet. Despite this restriction, Dennis Tajer, a pilot and spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, claimed that he had heard meowing over the frequency before, according to ABC News.
"It's not entertainment, it's a serious frequency and it has a serious purpose," said Dennis Tajer, pilot and spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association. "Anything that contaminates that with idle humor or any kind of schtick is not received well and it should stop."RELATED STORIES:Sen. Sheehy unscathed after emergency landing in Montana field
The strange case of the air crash caused by a crocodile
Are Regional Airlines Still Worth It in 2026?The FAA claims the audio of the meowing comes from a third-party source, but it will investigate the incident once it verifies the audio."For the few individuals out there that do it: stop, join us, stay safe and we'll keep that frequency sacred and protected," said Tajer.