LISTEN | Pilots heard making cat, dog noises over emergency air traffic radio at DCA

WASHINGTON (7News) — Federal aviation officials are looking into an incident in which pilots were heard making animal noises over an air traffic control frequency at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Audio from ATC.com, circulating online since April 12, caught pilots making “meow” sounds on the radio – prompting another voice to respond, “You guys need to be professional pilots.”

The exchange continued with more noise, including barking.

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A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it reviews all potential violations of its rules.

“FAA regulations prohibit pilots from engaging in non-essential conversations when they’re below 10,000 feet altitude,” the agency said. “Conversations must be related to the safe operation of the aircraft.”

Because the audio came from a third party, the FAA will have to verify it and will investigate if any regulations were violated.

A pilot familiar with air traffic communications told ABC News the behavior often occurs on the “guard” frequency, a channel reserved primarily for emergency communications and typically monitored but infrequently used.

Officials have not confirmed the identities of the pilots involved. The review remains ongoing.