Features

ATC Tower facilitates safe, efficient flow of aircraft

Photos by Airman 1st Class John R. Wright
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
November 26, 2020
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 86th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control Tower facilitate the flow of air traffic at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. Air Traffic Control is one of three sections of the Airfield Operations Flight, which comprises more than half of the 86th OSS.

 

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Bailey, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control craftsman, monitors air traffic at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. Air traffic controllers are uniquely certified to be safety advisors for arriving and departing aircraft. Prior to any arrival or departure, pilots are in constant communication with the ATC Tower.

 

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Bailey, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control craftsman, monitors the airfield at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. When many ATC facilities decreased mission coverage and hours of operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ramstein ATC Tower experienced increased operations.

 

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Toni Dow, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control journeyman, marks down aircraft information in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. By monitoring flight information and keeping constant communication with pilots, air traffic controllers ensure safe arrival and departure of aircraft. Air Traffic Control is one of three sections of the Airfield Operations Flight, which comprises more than half of the 86th OSS.

 

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Toni Dow, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control journeyman, uses a touchscreen interface for radio and landlines in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. The interface enables rapid aircraft, vehicle and landline communication. The Tower is the counterpart to Ground Controlled Approach, collectively making up ATC.

 

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bruce O. Black II, 86th Operations Support Squadron assistant chief controller, oversees operations in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 7. When many ATC facilities decreased mission coverage and hours of operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ramstein ATC Tower experienced increased activity. The team quickly adapted to a new manning schedule, while maintaining 24/7 operations.
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