Meow woof? Pilots make animal noises over air traffic radio

ALBAWABA - Two pilots have become the talk of the internet after they were heard making animal sounds at each other over an air traffic control frequency. "Meow" and "woof" echoed across the emergency frequency, triggering investigations.

Both were heard meowing and barking at each other, prompting staff to remind the two pilots to be professional after they heard them meow and bark several times. According to ABC News, the air traffic control frequency occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12. 

Someone scolded the two pilots and said over the radio, "You guys need to be professional pilots." However, this didn't stop the pilots from meowing and barking back. The individual added, "This is why you still fly an RJ (regional jet)."

Meow woof? Pilots make animal noises over air traffic radio

🚨#BREAKING: The FAA has announced that they will investigate an incident after two pilots were heard meowing and woofing on an emergency aviation frequency. pic.twitter.com/OkOdptf2lN

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 16, 2026

ATC.com first obtained the audio, but it later went viral on social media after it flooded several platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). 

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement saying that regulations forbid pilots from "engaging in non-essential conversations when they're below 10,000 feet altitude." The administration added that it thoroughly investigates all pilots who violate the rules. 

According to Dennis Tajer, a pilot and spokesperson for American Airlines, the pilots used a "guard frequency," which is used for emergencies, stressing that the radio frequency should solely be used in serious matters. Tajer said, "Anything that contaminates that with idle humor or any kind of schtick is not received well and it should stop."