Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air traffic controllers follow safety measures by using binoculars to continually monitor the flightline March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Binoculars are only one of several pieces of equipment the shop uses to ensure flightline safety. Crews also utilize an Enhanced Terminal Voice System to grant flightline drivers permission to cross the airfield, control the intensity of airfield lighting, and monitor aircraft in a 60-mile radius with radar systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Senior Airman Skye Fugere, Airman 1st Class Justin Kissel, 22nd Operations Support Squadron air traffic controllers, and Master Sgt. Guy Mill II, 22nd OSS senior non-commissioned officer in charge of training and standardization, communicates with aircraft in the air traffic control tower March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Controllers monitor and communicate with aircraft to control movement in and out of military airfields and airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

McConnell’s air traffic control tower stands tall March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The new tower was completed May 1, 2019. The $10.5 million project provided a more rigid structure that can withstand 70 knot winds, increasing the safety and overall airfield visibility for controllers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Staff Sgt. Isamu Tsubaki, 22nd Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower watch supervisor, updates a crew change checklist March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Crews work around the clock by communicating and directing military and civilian aircraft to prevent mid-air collisions. They are also responsible for personnel, vehicles and aircraft entering or leaving the flightline and air space within an estimated four and a half miles to the northeast and south, and one and a half miles to the west. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. McConnell Air Traffic Control Airmen are responsible for an estimated 32,000 flights, landings and takeoffs annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eye in the sky

Master Sgt. Guy Mill II, 22nd OSS senior non-commissioned officer in charge of training and standardization, communicates with an incoming KC-135 Stratotanker March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Aircrews and air traffic controllers are in constant communication within an estimated seven miles of the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

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Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Published April 1, 2020
By Senior Airman Alan Ricker
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Air traffic controllers follow safety measures by using binoculars to continually monitor the flightline March 24, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Binoculars are only one of several pieces of equipment the shop uses to ensure flightline safety. Crews also utilize an Enhanced Terminal Voice System to grant flightline drivers permission to cross the airfield, control the intensity of airfield lighting, and monitor aircraft in a 60-mile radius with radar systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker)

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eyes in the sky

Air Traffic Control: Keeping eye in the sky