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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2018 - 3:23:13 PM |
 In observation of International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, October 20, 2018, Bahamas Air Traffic Controllers Union (BATCU) is celebrating the decades of service provided by it dedicated, highly-proficient members. Air traffic controllers provide a critical service to the Bahamian public and all who travel through airports in our chain of islands by safely and expertly guiding pilots and their aircrafts from taxi to takeoff, through their journeys, and back to the ground.
BATCU President Hinsey McKenzie said, “Bahamian air traffic controllers are among the best in the world, and it is their due care and attention that keeps travelers safe. As Captain Lamplugh said, carelessness and neglect, more than anything else, are the greatest dangers to air safety, and our team keeps that in mind at all times.”
The average traveler rarely thinks about the labor or expertise required to ensure their safety. Ticket agents, gate agents, airport security, flight attendants, and pilots are all visible at some point during the experience, but air traffic controllers are unseen.
“Our air traffic controllers are using highly technical equipment, making calculations, and managing tools to maintain a safe environment both in the air and on the ground. These technicians and engineers work every hour of every day to manage a very large, complex system,” Mr. McKenzie said.
A typical shift in the control tower begins with a briefing inclusive of weather and any new information such as changes to procedures and flight delays. In the event of delays or early arrivals, decisions are quickly made about necessary adjustments including gate changes and landing delays. Inclement weather heavily impacts work flow as air traffic controllers must pay attention to constantly changing schedules and conditions on the ground and in the air.
Air traffic control demands the ability to read and analyze radar and flight data, excellent communication skills, and respond to changing conditions quickly. Controllers also need to have good spatial awareness, great memory and recall, and the ability to multitask. The work they do is a well-choreographed dance that requires a specific set of skills and adeptness in a high-pressure environment.
Over one million travelers depend on air traffic controllers to get to and from their travel destinations, whether for business or pleasure, without complication. In 2017, New Providence saw 979,843 air arrivals. Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Exuma saw 70,692, 103,598, and 60,956 respectively. These passengers are all shepherded to our islands and guided out by the only people with the knowledge and skills to operate sophisticated systems, read computerized data, prioritize tasks, and effectively communicate with pilots and team members. These important people are behind the scenes every other day of the year, so today, we salute them. We recognize their work and what it means that we do not often hear about it — their jobs are well done.
Mr. McKenzie added, “Today, we want to emphasize that air traffic control is one of many viable, yet overlooked career options for young people. This field of work is especially well-suited to those interested in STEM.” From calculations and logistics to designing the equipment and tools that make this work possible, there are many options for careers. BATCU looks forward to engaging young people in conversations about the air traffic management industry and the emerging employment opportunities as technology advances.
Bahamas Air Traffic Controllers Union is proud of the team of over 100 controllers who prove their commitment every day. This work is rarely spoken of, noticed most when it is brought to a halt. Bahamian air traffic controllers do all they can to ensure that operations continue under even in the most trying circumstances, always making safety and efficiency paramount. They also contribute to the development of new procedures, practices, and regulations to improve service to the public.
© Copyright 2018 by thebahamasweekly.com
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