EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alsaka -- You might not guess by the flawless takeoffs of aircraft from the runway that, tucked away in a tower, air traffic controllers are plugged in to ensure seamless transitions for each aircraft on the flightline.
ATC Airmen help ensure takeoffs and landings are more organized and safe for everyone involved.
“Our job is to control aircraft in the air and on the ground,” said Airman 1st Class Ricardo Alvarez, a 354th Operations Support Squadron ATC apprentice. “We issue safety alerts and separate aircraft in the air, among other things.”
When aircraft take off, air traffic controllers are a vital behind-the-scenes entity who are not generally thought about by those viewing the jets climb into the air or descend back to the base.
“There are a lot of rules and guidelines we have to follow in regards of pilot safety,” said Airman 1st Class Kevin Winter Molins, a 354th OSS ATC apprentice. “Without air traffic controllers giving the runway information, landing would be extremely dangerous.”
Along with normal challenges every ATC Airmen experiences, unique obstacles arise for the Airmen stationed here, and they must figure out a way to overcome them.
“RED FLAG-Alaska presents challenges,” said Alvarez. “There are so many diverse people you work with.”
Winter Molins explained the difficulty of the language barrier they encounter when communicating with foreign pilots.
“We work with a lot of people from different services and nationalities,” said Winter Molins. “So when we issue them their clearances for departure, you have to be clear and specific.”
Air traffic control is a job that can be as predictable as a roll of the dice; the fast pace of the flightline can change in the blink of an eye.
“You may have a good plan to begin with,” said Winter Molins, “but after plans B and C you better be ready to move down the alphabet.”
Pilots put their lives in the hands of air traffic controllers on a daily basis and working together to complete the mission is essential.
“It’s good to know there is a mutual trust between the pilot and air traffic controllers,” said Alvarez. “It’s pretty cool knowing you have a bond of trust between you and the people in the aircraft.”