Checking In
Tyler Froese working clearance delivery at the Winnipeg airport tower. A symphony in the skies Story by Tania Moffat
prairie skies. Many controllers look forward to greeting the 360-degree view as they begin their shift. Sprawled behind them is a stunning view of the city, and ahead a web of run- ways, open sky and prairie as far as the eye can see. As conductors of the ground and skies surrounding the
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airport they are part of a highly specialized team that con- trols the movement and synchronization of the players be- fore them. Like any great score, the rhythm ebbs and flows. Slower periods are commanded almost casually, while rising crescendos of movements increase their adrenaline as they conduct with purpose, anticipating and planning ahead at a rapid pace. Orchestrating the rapid movements of each landing and takeoff while simultaneously directing service vehicles and moving aircraft over the web of concrete on the ground be-
66 • Winter 2014
he view from the NAV CANADA airport con- trol tower at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is truly breathtaking. It’s an exciting place to work and observe the dramatic and intense
low, is a challenging endeavour. Tese “conductors” are air traffic controllers and they are the masters of all movement in the air within their designated airspace and on the ground. Tree controllers overlook the runways with a supervisor
in the fourth seat behind them. Each has a very specific job to do, and must work in harmony with each other and with another group of area controllers, located in a separate building. Tey relay information about aircraft moving into their airspace to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently. Controllers go through intense training to develop their
skills and learn how to use the sophisticated systems and technology that assists them. Te EXCDS Computer Sys- tem, created by NAV CANADA and used throughout the world, provides electronic flight strips on touch screen displays. It is an essential tool used to share information among controllers while tracking the movement of aircraft and vehicles. Te controller in charge of clearance delivery sits either on the right or left side of the tower, switching seats with
The Hub
Photo courtesy of Nav Canada.
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