the tower controller depending on the runway in use. Teir role is to coordinate all routes, provide aircraft with their initial clearance, and enter them into NAV CANADA’s computer system, EXCDS. Tey will do other coordinat- ing as required to assist the tower position. Te ground controller, seated in the middle, is responsible
for getting aircraft to the threshold of the runway as well as coordinating all vehicles using the roadways, runways or the airfield itself. ASDE, the airport surface detection equipment (the spinning yellow arm on top of the tower), is a critical tool used by ground controllers. It is especially useful when there is heavy fog, snow or rain hampering views from the tower, as it allows controllers to “see” every vehicle on the ground. During a snowstorm, a run-of-the-mill occurrence dur-
ing Winnipeg winters, the ground position can become quite hectic. Te conga line of snowplows have to clear the runway, sometimes in between each take off and landing, and controllers need to be aware of de-icing time limits, as well as the time it takes each aircraft to reach the end of the runway. It can take aircraft up to 10 minutes to reach the threshold of the runway, which is two miles out, when ground traffic and weather are good.
Te tower position, seated nearest to the threshold of the
runway in use, controls all aircraft in the airspace. Te tower is responsible for all takeoffs and landings, both runways and any aircraft operating within their airspace. All in- bound flights appear on the arrivals panel when they reach the 50 nautical mile perimeter of the airport. Working in the tower requires skilled employees capable of multi-task- ing and thinking on their feet. Tere is no room for error; you can’t tell a plane to stop in mid-air. Radar screens, used by all controllers, provide information
on where aircraft are in the airspace above and surrounding the airport. In order to remain alert, all personnel working the tower,
including the supervisor, take regular breaks and rotate through the various positions during their eight hour shift. Teir world is far different from yours and mine. Precise,
rapid-fire commands are given and confirmed; voices con- stantly crack over the open inbound radio frequency. Te language that is spoken is like a song, letters transposed into words to avoid confusion are spoken with clarity and authority. To an observer, it is magical, inspiring the same rush one feels when viewing a powerful performance, an appreciation for the skills required and awe at seeing it so
The tower at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport has an excellent view of the runways. The Hub Winter 2014 • 67
Photo courtesy of Nav Canada.
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