Royal Australian Air Force Air Traffic Controllers are playing a key role at one of the largest gatherings of aircraft in the world. A team of skilled aviators are keeping planes, pilots and huge crowds safe at the Australian International Airshow.
To support the increased flying activity, 7 Royal Australian Air Force Air Traffic Controllers and a transportable air operations tower (TAOT) deployed to Avalon Airport. Working alongside Air Services Australia, the team had the critical job of managing the airspace in support of flying operations for military and civilian aircraft sharing the airspace during the airshow.
Although challenging and complex, Air Traffic Controller, Flight Lieutenant Pearl Jeong, loves the work at airshows like Avalon finding it extremely rewarding.
"Having the opportunity to showcase the incredible range of aircraft and contribute to putting on a spectacular show for the public is amazing.
"It is incredibly fulfilling to share the work I do, with the community I grew up in, and share the possibilities a career in aviation can give the aviators of tomorrow."
Flight Lieutenant James Gilbert, whose father was also an Air Traffic Controller, enjoys the extensive and diverse nature of his job with every day offering something unique and different.
"Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging." Flight Lieutenant Gilbert said.
"Often faced with a complex sequence of aircraft, and working to solve this constantly moving 3D puzzle is a great challenge and really rewarding when you solve it."
With 45 different aircraft participating in the flying displays during the airshow, Air Force Air Traffic Controllers have a chance to control aircraft they don't normally see at their home bases.
"Being able to represent the Air Force, interacting with the crowd and being able to show everyone what Air Traffic Control is all about has been awesome."
