Controllers power the tower

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  From the ground up, 354th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controllers play a major role in ensuring safe flying operations. They provide critical information for pilots while maintaining situational awareness of aircraft in the local traffic pattern.

Air traffic controllers provide pilots and Airmen supporting flying operations the communication needed to ensure all participants can perform their job safely, especially during large-scale training exercises such as RED FLAG-Alaska and NORTHERN EDGE.

Simultaneously keeping track of numerous aircraft requires constant attention to detail. Anytime aircraft are undergoing preparations for an upcoming sortie or are in the air, Airmen are communicating with all phases of the mission to ensure proper execution of daily operations.

According to Staff Sgt. Ryan Vandewynkel, 354th OSS air traffic controller, a controller's job starts early and well before you see or hear any aircraft. Air traffic controllers are there before aircraft taxi to the runway and they continue to monitor each take off, in-flight activity as well as the safe return of aircraft.

With safety of the utmost concern, the role of an air traffic controller requires mental and physical endurance due to the high level of responsibility.

"I don't let stress get to me and technical school is pretty good about filtering out those who may find the stressors of this career field too overwhelming," said Senior Airman Michael Jaeger, 354th OSS air traffic controller

An air traffic controller's work shift usually lasts approximately twelve hours, although they are limited to a maximum of ten hours of actual control duty in the tower per federal regulations, said Vandewynkel and Jaeger.

Increased stress requires Airmen to do whatever they can to ensure they are ready for duty. This means taking advantage of time in between shifts to unwind from the stress of air traffic controlling.

"Learning how to not bring work home is something necessary [for air traffic controllers]," said Vandewynkel.

Different positions within the control tower have varying roles. For example, the local controller communicates with aircraft in the local traffic pattern, inbound and outbound aircraft, as well as those waiting for takeoff clearance. Another position is ground control which, simply put, controls aircraft operations on the ground.

"Airmen working ground control protect the runway," said Jaeger.

While stress can be debilitating for some, the toughest challenge is adjusting to meet the needs of the mission, especially for younger Airmen. For some, the basics learned at technical school have not prepared them for their new role.

"While I have only been here for two months I find myself challenged mostly by my recent change from radar to air traffic controller," said Jaeger.

This is one reason on-the-job training is integral to progression of Airmen. Its demanding environment requires upgrade training to prepare them for day-to-day responsibilities and future deployments.

Air traffic controllers make it possible for Eielson to offer the highest level of aerial combat training. Everyone plays a critical role, from the local controller to ground control and other supporting functions of air traffic control, as each member contributes vital information from start to finish.