Stewards of the sky Published June 28, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Drivers on the highway follow the rules of the road to maximize the chance of reaching their destination safely. Just as drivers have rules to follow on the ground, pilots are given the rules of the skies to decrease the risk of operating the powerful aircraft they fly. The Federal Aviation Administration sets the rules and procedures of aviation throughout the U.S. They provide air traffic control through the various levels, from towers to approach centers. The safety of all pilots in U.S. airspace can be credited to a degree to the FAA. "The FAA has the responsibility to all users of the National Airspace System to maintain safety. Our responsibility includes the Air Force as well as airports and general aviation," said Mark Edge, Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center military operations specialist. "For safety, everybody runs by the same rules so when they take-off following our standards they come home under the same rules." Some rules enforced for the safety of the pilots as well as local communities include airspace deemed as no-fly zones, speed and altitude limitations, and limitations on the use of flares. Another guideline in place for pilot safety is the separation of aircraft which includes restrictions put on aircraft to ensure safe passage and prevent mid air collisions. Prior to flight, pilots are briefed and given any updates by the FAA. This is in addition to their routine mission planning normally conducted the day prior, aircrews are fully aware and prepared to safely fly before they takeoff. When pilots travel across airspace borders, they maintain contact with the towers and centers in that area. When leaving Eielson they are transferred from the tower to departure control in Fairbanks then Anchorage Center. As they return it is reversed until they are put back in contact with the base tower. Visiting forces are also subject to the rules governed by the FAA. They must comply with the same rules as USAF pilots when operating in Eielson's airspace. "We own our own flight space to a degree, we are given control over it during Red Flag exercises. So we work very closely with the FAA to maintain that airspace," said Lt. Col. Donald Overbay, 353rd Combat Training Squadron chief of airlift operations. There are daily teleconferences and a hotline both to Fairbanks and Anchorage in the control center allowing for more open lines of communication. By keeping the lines of communication open, any changes that need to be made can be worked quickly. For instance, problem aircraft are discussed to let the local control centers know an issue that will need attention is coming their way. The goal of the partnership is to have a seamless transfer. "If the rules are not followed or abused, the FAA would be less willing to work with us when we needed to change a policy or procedure. So the maintenance of those relationships is critical," said Colonel Overbay. Any positive affiliation with supporting organizations is beneficial to both groups to make communication easier. "The 354th Fighter Wing has done a good job following the rules," said Mr. Edge. Due to the relationship between the 354th Fighter Wing and the FAA, the wing is able to maintain the airspace and continue to have access to it. The coordination and teamwork between the FAA and Eielson is critical to ensuring that our aircraft fly safe and continue to support our mission.