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by Capt. Erin Dorrance
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
“It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Oh wait, it looks like a glider,” said an air traffic controller at Ramstein’s Air Traffic Control Tower. The small planes – most the size of a car – are very hard for not only air traffic controllers, but also for Ramstein pilots to identify.
There are 10 glider airports in the local area that often fly in Ramstein’s air space. Many of the planes are not equipped with radios or trans-ponders, and their small airframes make them very difficult for big airplanes to identify and avoid.
“Because we have had gliders and Ramstein aircraft come too close for comfort, this awareness campaign is our highest priority,” said Capt. Kent Jensen, 86th Airlift Wing Safety office.
The purpose of the meeting between military and host nation counterparts was to talk about glider flying procedures and hope-fully alleviate all close-call incidents by improving communication between controllers and pilots. “We all have a passion for
flying,” said Dr. Harry Keidel, Essweiler Glider Port president. “Communication with Ramstein is very important to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Tech. Sgt. Paul Cooper, 86th Operations Support Squadron Ground Control Approach watch supervisor, explained new restrictions on Ramstein’s air space, communication tips for contacting Ramstein’s controllers and the services con-
trollers can provide to glider aircraft.
“If you can give us a position report, it is much easier for us to find you on the radar,” said Sergeant Cooper, adding that there is not much of a difference between a bird and a glider dot on the radar screen. “Once we know where you are, we can help you avoid aircraft.”
Most near misses between gliders and Ramstein aircraft occur at 4,000 feet, he said. On cloudy days or when the pilot is on final approach and focusing on controls inside the cockpit, there is an increased risk of a collision. Position reports are essential to ensure safety to everyone in the air.
The information was very much appreciated by the Essweiler Glider Port club which includes 40 active pilots that fly motorized gliders and ultralight aircraft. The members range from teenagers up to an 82-year-old pilot that has flown gliders for 65 years and has more than 4,000 flying hours.
“We are very excited to build upon our partnership,” said Bernie Kretzschmar, an ultralight pilot with the Essweiler Glider Port. “This gives us a chance to learn more about Ramstein’s airspace and also voice any concerns we have.”
The Essweiler Glider Port is just one of several glider ports in the local area. Ramstein safety and air traffic control personnel plan to meet with each and every club to strengthen the partnership between the flying communities and discuss safety.
Close communication within the flying community is key so air traffic controllers can identify the specks on the radar screen, whether they are birds or gliders.
