ATC

After communicating through radio from the air traffic control tower, Senior Airman Eric Kindle logs an accurate departure time for an aircraft April 15. As an air traffic control journeyman, Airman Kindle is dedicated to the task of ensuring aircraft taking off or landing do so safely and quickly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

Air Traffic Controllers keep aircraft soaring

Published April 21, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Tania Bryan
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Last week alone, the air traffic controllers of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing were responsible for more than 1,250 operations on their airfield and in their air space.

Based on current mission rates, the U.S. Air Force anticipates surpassing more than one million missions flown by its aircraft in the Global War on Terror by April 21.

With dozens of combat and combat support sorties originating here every day, it's not hard to realize that we have a direct impact on the Global War on Terrorism, said Tech. Sgt. Eric Briggs, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor.

"We provide a safe environment for our aircraft to operate in," he said. "Without air traffic controllers, there would be no air operations, because there would be no way of securing a safe landing zone or safe airfield for departure."

Ensuring pilots are able to make their way to their final destination is a huge responsibility which some may consider stressful, but Sergeant Briggs, a father of seven, said, "What may be stressful to one person, may not be as stressful to another. It's all how you look at what you do."

While English is the universal language of flight operations, deployed controllers have the added confusion of unfamiliar accents or air crew who may not use English as their primary language.

A unique element that allows the controllers here to help combat the language difference is a partnership with host nation air traffic controllers.

"It's always good to have them up here working, especially when their air force is flying, because some pilots struggle with English," said Sergeant Briggs. "The locals have a way of understanding what they are asking for."

"I've really enjoyed working with the host nation and coalition partners. It teaches you to listen better," said air traffic control journeyman Senior Airman Eric Kindle.

Even though this is Airman Kindle's first deployment, he can already see the impact he makes.

"Every time an aircraft takes off, you know that pilot is going out to do something that is in support of GWOT," he said. "If it wasn't for the controllers the planes wouldn't get to where they need to go."