KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- When a C-130 flies across the Gulf Coast sky, it’s natural to focus on the skill of the pilot, or the work of a maintainer. However, people often miss the intense work of the air traffic controllers who assisted in getting the aircraft safely off the ground.
After completing a grueling, four-month technical training, air traffic controllers are sent to their first duty assignment. Upon arrival, they are placed in either a radar position that monitors a large airspace through multiple screens and instruments, or a tower position where they physically monitor the planes and airfield, while using instruments to monitor the nearest airspace.
“In this job, you have to be accurate with your information, and you have to be understanding of everything that is happening,” said Senior Airman Joshua Wilson, 81st Operations Support Flight air traffic controller.
While up in the tower, air traffic controllers at Keesler are consistently working with pilots from the 403rd Wing flying C-130J and WC-130J Hercules aircraft. They are also monitoring the aircraft and personnel on the flightline to ensure that everyone is safe within their area of operation.
Tech. Sgt. Cyrus Conrad Cordero, 81st OSF noncommissioned officer in charge of air traffic control training and standardization, said that the tower aspect of air traffic control is much more of an art form.
“We use our eyes, we visually see the planes and can guide them around safely,” said Cordero.
The aircraft they work with fly all across the world and, in the Hurricane Hunters’ case, collect valuable information to keep everyone on the Gulf Coast safe.
Like all active-duty service members, air traffic controllers eventually receive orders to a new base, a move that often comes with a steep learning curve.
“You have developed a detailed mental blueprint of the flightline and the aircraft you work with, but at your new base, you have to swipe that blueprint away,” said Wilson. “You keep the basic principles of air traffic control, but then you have to apply new blueprints, and new aircraft to it.”
Depending on the base, the learning curve can be extremely steep. Cordero said that his experience transitioning from a base with primarily large, slow aircraft, to a base with primarily small and fast aircraft was very challenging. However, this experience helped propel his skills forward.
This fast-paced environment that air traffic controllers work in requires extensive knowledge and very intense training. The skills learned on duty often transfer into their daily lives.
Wilson said that after working in air traffic control for over six years, his spatial awareness has dramatically improved. He notices this most while driving as he tracks the location and speed of the cars surrounding him.
“I’m more aware of my environment and [better at] making quick judgement calls,” said Wilson.
Cordero said that no matter the challenge, our air traffic controllers can lean on their training, and each other for help. With safety and global vigilance in mind, they stand ready to support every operation coming through Keesler.