ATC Magazine by Roberto Gomez

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D I GI TA L MA GA ZI N E F OR F REE DI S TRI BUTI ON YEAR I - I SSUE I – BUENOS AIRES- ARGENTINA

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

are extremely proud to share with you this new initiative of "Air Traffic Controllers Around the World", our Digital Magazine. This dream was born on August 7, 2009 in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina and thanks to Facebook we have brought together more than 10,000 colleagues and fans of this wonderful profession, who have joined from all over the world as our new family.

world, and today, just over a year of the existence of this group, we are proud to have reached almost every corner of the world. Thank you very much everyone for participating, for sharing your stories, your experiences and for trying to make this site a place for meetings among friends!

We hope you all enjoy this magazine and we are open for comment and criticism. “Today this dream has come true and makes us proud”

Again, thank you all!

From the beginning our intention was to create a link between colleagues and aviation enthusiasts around the Our Facebook team: Esteban Mendoza (creator), Argentina Roberto Julio Gómez, Argentina Aleksandra Blagojevic, Serbia Deniz Özarslan , Turkey Alfonso de la Vega, Chile Abid Mehdi, France Rosa Fernandes, Venezuela Dennis Lamy, USA Duron Aida Pedersen, Honduras Mounir Lahmani, Canada Kaj Nordström, Sweden Jojo V Jr Celebration, Philippines Mary Gaby Castro, Mexico ‫ ن صرال دي ن‬Nasreldin, Sudan BKC BKC Jr Jr, Brazil Danny Aguerre, USA Ana Maria Avellaneda, Argentina Jesús Calderón, Spain John William Hanson, USA Cassandra Omholt, Norway Richie Perez, USA Kin Ng, China To Thao, Vietnam

Contents and edition

Esteban Mendoza emendoza43@hotmail.com

Air Traffic Controllers Around the World

atc_aroundtheworld@hotmail.com Visit our page on Facebook:

Air Traffic Controllers Around the World

Idea, design and production:

Roberto Julio Gomez flap152@hotmail.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

INDEX Pag.3 IFATCA-A BRIEF HISTORY Pag.5 ROD FOOTE, A RETIRED ATC FROM USA Pag.9 FABRIZIO FERRARI, AN ATC FROM ITALY Pag.13 RICARDO SILVA, A TRAINEE FROM PORTUGAL Pag.15 HAPPY DAY! GREETINGS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Pag.21 WHO WAS ARCHIE WILLIAM LEAGUE? Pag.22 BE OUR NEXT ATC STAR! Pag.23 “SALAD BAR”… A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT!!!

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

20th October 2010 International Day of the Air Traffic Controller IFATCA - International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations IFATCA – A BRIEF HISTORY

ir traffic control has developed from the

the foundation meeting of the European Federation of

humblest

highly

Air Traffic Controllers Associations (EFATCA) for 19 –

sophisticated and technology dependent

20 October, 1961 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

occupation. And even as we are on the cusp of an

However, during the course of the conference it was

even more dramatic leap of new technologies, many

made known that at least twenty other national

people remain unaware of just what an air traffic

organizations also had expressed an interest in joining

controller does and few comprehend just what is

such a federation.

involved in keeping aircraft safely apart, but close

And so a representative body of air traffic controllers

enough so that they get to their destinations as

that was founded by twelve European countries has

efficiently as possible.

grown to 134 Member Associations representing

Making the world of air traffic control more accessible

more than fifty thousand air traffic controllers world-

is one of the aims of the Federation, a body that has

wide. Today the International Federation of Air Traffic

been in existence since 1961. The idea of a world body

Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) is a respected

for controllers was first proposed in 1956 by Mr. Jacob

organization within the aviation world whose opinion

Wachtel, founder and first chairman of the Israel Air

is sought on key issues and who participates actively

Traffic Controllers’ Association. He received positive

in international forums involving the International

feedback from the many associations in various

Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EUROCONTROL,

countries he wrote over the next few years and

and the European Union among others.

beginnings

into

eventually a working group was formed to prepare for

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

OPTIMUM EFFICIENCY! UNCOMPROMISED

celebrate the individual air traffic controller wherever

SAFETY! EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE

he works or under whatever conditions she works, who strives each minute to give the utmost in service

“The response to the idea of a federation was

to the flying public , to bring you safely and efficiently

immediate and universal. From its founding on 20

to your destination. Even with a shortage of air traffic

October 1961 IFATCA has grown to 133 member

controllers worldwide, when too few air traffic

associations representing 50,000 air traffic controllers

controllers are being asked to handle more and more

worldwide. The culture among controllers is that the

traffic without compromising our high standards of

job will be done no matter the circumstances, no

safety, and at the same time being judged on

matter the working conditions. This air traffic

efficiency issues over which we have no control the

controller ethic is at the core of the safest and most

controller ethic prevails.

efficient means of transport that is air travel.

Today

Equipment and systems introduced over the years

accomplishments, and renew our mission of service

have helped improve efficiency and contributed to a

through an industry that is at the heart of a global

sound and safe ATC system, but the individual

community.

controller has always been, and remains, the key

To all air traffic controllers, be proud and celebrate

element in the safe, efficient and environmentally

your profession today!”

responsible ATC network we have today.

Source: IFATCA

recognize

our efforts,

salute

our

Controllers are the most flexible and adaptable element of the system, readily able to grow with continually evolving procedures, changing technical systems, and social and environmental constraints. No other "technology" is so adaptable, productive and cost effective!

http://www.atc-network.com/News/27755/20-October---

When we celebrate 20th of October each year, we

International-Day-of-the-Air-Traffic-Controller

celebrate the vision of our founding members, and we celebrate the countless volunteers who work to

http://www.ifatca.org/docs/day2010.pdf

achieve the aims of our Federation. But most of all we

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Interview with Rod Foote, a retired ATC

y name is Rod Foote, I’m 72, Born in New York City, Married 39 years to Janet, live in Rome, NY, we have 2 grown children; boy and girl. Have owned 2 C-172s, instrument rated although haven't flown since selling my airplane 6 years ago. (Got way too expensive but still fly Microsoft Flight Simulator.) I retired from the FAA in 1988.

questions I think I knew maybe 10. And the passing score was 85%.

When I was hired by the FAA along with 3 other guys and sent to Griffiss RAPCON/Tower which was now an FAA facility (where I had just spent the last 3 1/2 years as an AF controller,) the FAA ran out of money to send we 4 to OKC to the FAA ATC Academy. So we were all given the What made you decide to work as an ATC? course materials and told to "learn on your own." The 4 of us set up our own little academy in the Ready Room, learned all The US Air Force decided for me; glad they our stuff in 4 weeks (as opposed to the did as it got me a fast track to the FAA Academy's 12 weeks) all the while after my 4 years of Air Force getting in an hour or two a day of enlistment ended. Spent 28 live OJT with seasoned controllers years with the FAA. who'd say "who the hell told you “There is no to do it that way?" Where did you study to become an ATC? Could you tell us something about your career?

room for indecision when you work in an occupation that at any second can have hundreds of lives in jeopardy”.

Air Force basic ATC training (wx, regs, simulation ARTC, Tower, GCA, etc.) took place at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. I then spent a year in OJT at Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY, first in radar (on an already decrepit CPN-18 with no transponders except basic IFF) then, following checkout, to the control tower where, after checkout, I was made a shift supervisor.

We all checked out within 6 months of hire. It was an interesting mix of traffic we learned on as we controlled, side by side, a civilian air carrier airport and a very active military airport with all kinds of exotic birds vying for the same airspace.

Not unusual to have a U2, a C-172, a B-52, a SR-71, a BAC-111 and an F101 or an F-106 in the same traffic pattern.

Not too long ago while cleaning out some old files-real ones, not computer ones)-I came across my radar checkout written test and I thought "My God! Did I really know all that stuff?" Out of 100

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Photos: 1- Rod Foote / 2 - working local at Utica Tower, Oriskany, NY-1961 (coats & ties back then and no headsets) / 3 – Many years later

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Which places have you worked as an ATC Rod?

Do you think this work has changed in recent years?

Only worked at Griffiss AFB, first as an Airman controller for 3 years then, following separation, as a CAA/FAA controller at Griffiss RAPCON/Utica Tower for 28 years before retiring. Basically, it was the Best of Times and, occasionally, the worst of times. (We had a few very nasty fatal accidents.)

Obviously technology has come a long way since I've been retired and I'm sure many procedures have been changed (not necessarily for the better [speaking as a pilot, now.]) However, as I read the comments of the ATCers from around the world, the controller psyche seems pretty much the same...which is good. How is your life today?

What do you like about this profession? The challenge! And that skyhigh feeling you get when you were able to bail somebody out of a jam; or when you had to improvise and sort out a huge mess because of wx reroutes and get it done with a minimum of delay or, better yet, no delay.

“I read the comments of the ATCers from around the world, the controller psyche seems pretty much the same...which is good”.

What do you miss most about working as an ATC? The fact that you work with so many people of diverse personalities who, in spite of their personal opinions, are able to all talk the same language and be on the same page (safe, orderly and expeditious) when it counts no matter their political or social views. What kind of person do you have to be in order to work as an ATC? A decision maker! There is no room for indecision when you work in an occupation that at any second can have hundreds of lives in jeopardy. You've always got to be thinking "what if?...and what will I do?"

Great! I've been a professional actor just about all my life starting as an 8 year old and then even during my Air Force and FAA ATC days. Since retirement, my wife and I have run a professional theater companyThe Chatham Theatre Company of Rome, NY-and we're now into our 29th season. What advice would you give to all who want to work as an ATC?

Unless you truly want to serve the public (as infuriating as that can be at times,) are willing to study, study, study to stay abreast of new technology, new regs, new this and new that and be mindful of the fact that your Christmas Day or your anniversary or your whatever day might well be taken on another day because of your shift schedule, it might be best for you to find another occupation. If you're cool with all the above, then you'll find yourself in one of the most rewarding jobs you'll ever know. Thank you Rod, has been a pleasure to meet you!

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Photos: 4 - ASR-5 screen shot of the map at Griffiss RAPCON. The blur i n the mi ddle is Griffiss AFB and Onei da County Airport (Utica tower) side by side. Syracuse is 39 miles due west. B aseball Hall of Fame AT Cooperstown is 170/48 / 5 - The Griffiss RAPCON 1961-Departure far left, Arri val West, Flight Data, Arri val East, Feeder to GCA right out of picture. CPN-18s back then...and everybody smoked...a lot.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD - DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Interview with Fabrizio Ferrari, an ATC from Italy

y name is Fabrizio Ferrari. I was born in Rome in 1980. I live in a small town near Viterbo, called Bassano Romano, with my girlfriend Silvia.

had to obtain a minimum of 70/100 to go on... Every check. There were 2 kinds of check theory and practice. Theory, were tests about general aeronautical laws and practical were checks at the training simulator. It was a very stressful period... some of my hair went away, and some What made you decide to work as an today stands white :D. ATC? The course was divided in 5 periods : 1 generic study (like refreshments about met, In the past I attended at the aeronautical general law, international aeronautical law, school in Rome, so I decided that my telecommunications and so on); 2 TWR future will be in the aeronautical world. I simulations: training over Olbia (LIEO) tried in 1999 to be a military pilot, but a/d (VFR and IFR situations unfortunately I was not selected. together); 3 TWR/RADAR Time passed and in 2000 an simulations: training over ex-student association told "Well pal, studying is Malpensa (LIMC) me about a selection to be (IFR+VFR); Here we made a an air traffic assistant important, little stop of simulation. We (ATA). I was promoted to but the most important tasted what means work in a the selection and also to the real situation...we was sent in thing is patienceâ&#x20AC;Ś course with good grades. In different airports like Firenze, the 2005 Enav (Italian try not to lose it Napoli and Genova (LIRQ, agency for air navigation LIRN, LIMJ) for two weeks. and services) sent me to attend At the end of this short OJT to an ATC formation course you will be on board!!" period we came back to reserved to ATA. school. 4:Standard Procedural App phase: Training over "Italia" So, where did you study to become an Control zone (terrifying!!!); 5: Radar ATC? Tell us something about your Approach phase: Training over "Italia" career please. Control zone in radarized condition. At the end of the ATC course I had to attend to 5 When I started my ATC adventure, I was months of OJT in Pescara (LIBP), to be not new to this world. I was an ATA. I graduated officially TWR/APP. The worked 4 years in Trieste Ronchi dei course was paid by the Agency...I only had Legionari (LIPQ). I studied in Rome, at to find a place to live during my OJT the Enav training facility. The theory phase, but not so much expensive. training lasted 10 months. It was very difficult. Every day was an exam day!! During the course you

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD - DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Fabrizio Ferrari – fabrizio.fer@tiscali.it

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD - DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Could you tell us something about your work place, and places you have worked as an ATC?

traffic, like little Cessna or diamond, but there are also a lot of helicopters. In the future they want to set in Urbe, the biggest Agusta Westland repairing facility.

My first Airport was Pescara. TWR/APP services . Nice place, nice TWR, nice I can't say which place is the best or people, nice traffics, military and civilian... worst...one is the best for location, one for Helicopter, pistons and jet... I had all I colleagues, one for traffics...Love them all, needed, but nice tales do not last long... As but...I can say only a thing: every Airport I said before, 5 months here. Parma has its problems... :D (LIMP) was my second Airport, the airport in which I made my bones. TWR/APP What do you like most about working as services. 3 Years here... Here I find the an ATC? best people and the best friends a controller can desire. But the I like this job because I love situation was not good ... The planes. Every plane....and, TWR was so low that pilots well...The salary is good... can't see it... Departing â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have always traffic and arriving traffic had the same procedure, Is there a place where to remember so unusable to separate you would like to work them. Meteorological as an ATC? condition in Parma that every day during wintertime is I would like to work in awful ( often mist or you can learn a Caribbean small fog.... heavy fog). Here island with a little I met a lot of pilots and TWR, near the sea...is something new.â&#x20AC;? staff that gained my that possible????. respect... we tried every Seriously, I'd like to work in day to help each other for a big airport like JFK or Dallas the completion of our work. Fort Worth... We used to study situation together, trying always to find the best solution. In What kind of person do you have to be in Parma the logistic situation was in order to work as an ATC? borderline... Luckily now the Agency is building a new TWR and new offices. Not a special One... but you have always to remember that every day you can learn something new. Don't expect that every Now I work in Urbe (LIRU), TWR/GND a day is the same day as yesterday. Don't act little airport in Rome city. It is very small, as superman... every man can do but very crowded...more or less 59.000 something wrong... live with a little of movements a year with sunrise/sunset humility. timetable. It's a training AD. It is not easy to work How do you think will be your life when with young pilots. You have to stay always you retired?. tuned, with 1000 eyes, pay attention double time, because you are not talking with professionals...Here there is light

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD - DIGITAL MAGAZINE

I don't know... Here in Italy, every day the politician talks about something new...I don't know if I can expect retirement :D Let' s be serious... I don't know. I hope the best possible. Could you tell us about your preferences? Hobbies, things you enjoy, etc. I like computers and technology. I like American motorcycles and American old cars... These days Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to buy an old corvette C3... a daydream. I like fishing, but I'm not so good...Friendship for me is

very important, I think it's the most important thing. I love my country, but I hate my government...That's it. Would you like to give some advice to those who want to work as an ATC? Always, when some guys come up to visit us , I ask: "Someone wants to be a controller??" Someone of them always gives me a positive answer...And I reply: "Well pal, studying is important, but the most important thing is patience... try not to lose it and you will be on board!!" Thank you very much Fabrizio, has been a pleasure to meet you!!!.

Rome - Urbe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LIRU

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Interview with Ricardo Silva, a Trainee from Portugal

i! My name is Ricardo Silva, I'm 22 years old, I was born in Vila Franca de Xira (Portugal), I live in Samora Correia (near Vila franca de Xira) with my mother, father and little brother with 6 years.

What made you decide to work as an ATC?

I wish I could control on the international airport in Lisbon (LPPT) because it is a greater level of my career and we are much more recognized in what we do.

What do you think is best to work as an ATC?

“Every day there is a new challenge”

My dream was to become a pilot but had no money for it. So I decided to seek alternatives related to aircraft and I found the air traffic control. Now a day I do not regret my choice, every time I like it more and more. Every day there is a new challenge.

Would you like to tell us something about your career? I studied traffic control in the Portuguese Air Force during one year in 2009. It was very difficult because during the course were only two people (because of the lack of people in our area). It was a year with a lot of study for me and my partner. After that, I was transferred to an air base in Montijo (LPMT/Portugal) where I started the training on Ground Control position at March of this year, in which I am now qualified. And then I started AD Qualification in which I am recently qualified too. I'm currently awaiting permission to begin the training in approach control.

What sort of person do you have to be in order to work as an ATC? A calm person, humble, talkative, intelligent and knows how to work well with shortterm memory

Could

"Be Calm and GET THEM DOWN SAFELY!!”

Where would you like to work as an ATC?. Why?.

Adrenaline, responsibility, positive stress, conflict resolution, coordination, Clearances, all, I like this job.

you tell us about your preferences? Hobbies, things you like, etc. I play football, I help my mother in the restaurant, I like listen to music, watch movies, go to the cinema with my girlfriend, I like to travel, like going out with friends etc. Ouvir (Ler foneticamente)

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to work as an ATC? Be Calm and GET THEM DOWN SAFELY!!!

Thank you very much Ricardo, has been a pleasure to meet you!!!.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE

HAPPY DAY! GREETINGS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD! GREETINGS FROM ROS APP (ARGENTINA) TO ALL CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD, THIS IS A SPECIAL DAY...OUR DAY!!!! I LOVE THIS JOB !!!!! Romina Viola roviola@hotmail.com Thanks for great job! Dmitrij Karpenko karpenko@nowitex.com Happy day!!! Air Traffic Controllers at GUAM center (ZUA).

Guam family picnic.

Guam, USA, where America Begins Her Day!! C.D.Taylor (ATCS) NATCA facrep ZUA zuanatca@hotmail.com

DEAR FRIENDS, ON THE EVE OF WORLD ATC DAY ALL THE BEST TO ALL DEAR CONTROLLERS ACROSS THE GLOBE. HAPPY CONTROLLING. SANDEEP MUKERJEE ASST. GENERAL SECRETARY - ATC GUILD INDIA (ASSOCIATED TO IFATACA) sandy_muk@rediffmail.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL MAGAZINE Happy ATC Day to all controllers around the world! Keep doing the noble job all for the safe, orderly and expeditious control of air traffic! The flying public is safe because of you! Morsi Seymour Apalisok morsi777@yahoo.com

Happy ATC day all my dear colleagues around the world wish all of us safe skies and happy working hours greetings from Hossam HESN (Egypt, Aswan international)

Hossam Eldeen hosdeath@hotmail.com

I know and admire many ATCs for the job they do. As a passenger when approaching the end of the runway for takeoff, I always say a little prayer...."Dear Lord, please protect this craft, Crew, and ATCs and guide us safely to our destination. Amen." I have been privileged to visit a working tower and have huge respect for your industry. Thank you for your safety record. Anne-Marie Savel amsavel@aol.com

Greetings and best wishes to all of my counterparts throughout the world. Our job is one like no other. Lee - "OX" Tampa, FL, USA ox.vectors@gmail.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Congratulations to all my colleagues around the world for this special day!. We have the best job in the world! Enjoy it every day of your lives. Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina (SAEZ TWR) Happy day!

Silvana Enriquez silvaen79@hotmail.com

To all ATCo's around the world especially ATCO's in Malaysia, Happy International Day Around The World. You are truly silent heroes and keep on providing a safety services. Yus Yusnizah Yunus peaceyus4eva@yahoo.com

To the dedicated men and women who work day and night to make air travel what it is today safe, orderly, and expeditious; keep up the good work and may we be always a blessing to the Aviation industry and the whole world in general . The force will be with us always. Jerome de Asas jxasas@hotmail.com My wish to all ATCOs, a safe trip through your duty days. Taghrid Lutfi From OJAC tag_lut@yahoo.com

I wish to use this medium to wish all Air Traffic Controllers worldwide a happy ATC day celebration. I also many more years of fruitful ATC practice and safer skies. Victor Nosike nosikev@yahoo.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL MAGAZINE

I would like to greet all my fellow Air Traffic Controllers at MANILA RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY and to all my BATS 13 classmates, you guys rock! I would like to give a special shout out to my friends namely, IA of Kalibo Tower/Approach Control Facility, KB of Caticlan Tower Facility, RL of Dumaguete Tower Facility, YE & AE of Manila Tower Facility, SZ of Manila Area Control Facility, BL of Mactan Approach Control Facility, MZ & QA of Manila Radar Approach Control Facility. Congratulations to you guys and keep up the good work! From: JA of Manila Radar Approach Control Facility. Lorely Agnes lilryle03@yahoo.com

I am air traffic controller from Morocco GMAD , thank you for your gifts :) best wishes to you and all colleagues. Fahd Elfahd worshipper1@live.com

Happy Day and Thank you so much and best regards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pierre do it jeanpierre3670@yahoo.it

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE Happy International Day of the Air Traffic Controller from Mashhad (OIMM) International Airport, Iran.

Mashhad Control Center, Iran

Mashhad Control Tower, Iran

Majid Ghazi, Mashhad (OIMM) International airport, Iran Best wishes for you! majid.ghazi@gmail.com

Dear colleagues all over the world As an Air Traffic Controller: we do it better in the dark. I hope the ATC men are the ace in Air Navigation. If I'd get a new chance to select a job , one more time I'd go the same way which I've gone 35 years ago because I LOVE it. Congratulations & Best regards & hearty wishes to all. Retired (2006) ATC man OISS – IRAN Rahim Rahmani Nejad rahim.rahmaninejad@yahoo.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD – DIGITAL MAGAZINE Congratulations to all Air Traffic Controllers around the world. It’s pleasure to be part of the team Alexandria Approach Control Team, Egypt

Hassan Gouda, Mohammed Mahmoud, Ahmed Sehly Hassan Gouda hassangouda@yahoo.com

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AROUND THE WORLD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Who was Archie William League? A great little story

rchie William League (1907-1986), is widely acknowledged as the first air traffic controller. After becoming a licensed airplane and engine mechanic, flying and barnstorming around Illinois and Missouri with his own 'flying circus' , Archie was hired by the city to direct the growing air traffic at St. Louis's Lambert Field (now known as Lambert-St. Louis International Airport). Before the installation of a radio tower, he was a flagman who directed traffic via flags. His "control tower" was a wheelbarrow on which he mounted a beach umbrella for the summer heat. In it he carried a beach chair, his lunch, water, a note pad and a pair of signal flags to direct the aircraft. He used a checkered flag to indicate to the pilot "GO" (proceed), or a red flag to indicate the pilot should "HOLD" their position. He kept warm out on the field in the winters by wearing a padded flying

suit. When a radio tower was installed in the early 1930s, he became the airport's first radio controller At the beginning, pilots flew just looking at the horizon and the ground reference points. This was a serious disadvantage because the horizon and the mainland often were obstructed by clouds. The increasing demand for reliable transport services and passenger flights led to the development of flight instrumentation, communication and standardization of procedures. But it did not happen immediately. Years of studies and subsequent agreements made it possible. Today the history of aviation is changing and it continues to adapt to new technology and the growing demand for more and better services ... the story is still far from reaching its end.

Archie William League (1907-1986)

Would you like to participate in our next edition?

Would you like to write an article telling the story of your airport? Would you like to be interviewed and tell your story to the world? Would you like to share your knowledge with the ATCOs around the world? Would you like you to promote your professional ATC association? Looking for a job as an ATC? Would you like to make new friends? If you want to participate in our next digital edition, send an e-mail to:

atc_aroundtheworld@hotmail.com with your story, your article (Technology, CRM, CNS/ATM, Aviation History, SMS, etc.), your comments, your greetings, your photos and everything you want to share with the rest of the world.

Tell us about the Air Traffic Control activity in your country or region. State policies, problems, innovations ... we want to know everything!!! If you are an ATC, or pilot, or just you love the aviation world and want to participate...this is your place!!!

Air Traffic Controllers Around the World

“Salad Bar”… A Little bit of this and a Little of that!!!

Ask for quantity, price and payment