News

Training vital for a position in Robins Air Traffic Control Tower

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  First, there's training. Then there's making the critical decisions that impact lives in the air.

Such is life in the tower cab of the Robins Air Traffic Control Tower. But before one has the privilege of making those decisions, one must first validate the acquired knowledge in the tower's simulation room - a one-stop shop for trainees looking to immerse themselves in the world of air traffic.

It's a small, unassuming place filled with five 55-inch television monitors, providing trainees a realistic view of the Robins airfield and airspace.

Located in a room adjacent to the tower, three control positions stand ready, the same as in the tower cab above.

Trainees must master these positions prior to walking the 100-plus steps up. Although each has a separate role, all three are part of a close-knit team which ensures daily aircraft operations perform smoothly.

Positions include the local controller who controls the runway and 5.5 miles of airspace around the base. The flight data controller acts much like an operator, answering phones and coordinating local or ground control communications. Ground control handles everything on the ground, such as reading clearances to pilots, relaying weather and airfield advisories, and taxiing aircraft to and from the runway.

During training, a deep male voice rings out from an interactive software program administered from a nearby work station. The software guides trainees through such things as proper phraseology, speaking slowly and deliberately so messages are understood.

"It's basically repetitive," said Robert Harvey, tower simulation system administrator and air traffic control watch supervisor. "So, if a controller doesn't say the correct phraseology to the pilot, the computer will tell them to say it again."

There are 120 scenarios that were developed to assist trainees with situations they may encounter. A new trainee will start with a basic scenario - two to three aircraft - which teaches how to taxi or clear aircraft for takeoff.

"As they progress in training, scenarios become more complex," said Harvey. "While this is an outstanding tool, it only gets you to a certain level - the rest you have to learn upstairs in live traffic."

Trainees typically start in flight data; learning the functions of the complex local control position takes longest. On average it takes about a year to receive control tower operators certification.

Robins Tower typically averages four to six trainees per year. The current training load is high, with 10 trainees now; two more are inbound in March.

Classroom training is also incorporated, which includes memorizing the airfield environment, runway, taxiways, types of aircraft here, common emergencies encountered, multiple frequencies and air traffic patterns.

Robins Tower controls anywhere from 22,000 to 24,000 aircraft operations annually. While the base doesn't have as high a volume of traffic as others, operations can be complex. Macon airport is three miles to the north and close coordination with its tower is essential; transient aircraft and civilian pilots from other local airports also like to fly through the Robins airspace.

"What also makes Robins complex is the various sizes and speeds of the aircraft we control," said Harvey. "We have everything from a heavy C-5 to a small UH-1 helicopter, and mix them with fighters that fly two to three times faster."

Take into consideration the Aero Club's smaller aircraft, and trainees have a host of weight categories they take into account while controlling traffic.

The simulator also performs additional roles. Harvey can download scenarios that simulate conditions in Iraq or Afghanistan, further preparing members before they deploy. And if someone is getting ready to leave for another base, he or she can load that base's air traffic environment.