AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TOUR

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This session helps Explorers understand how air traffic control operates.

Category

  • Higher-order Thinking
  • Social Skills
  • Communication

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the kinds of decisions air traffic controllers make (i.e., when to hold an aircraft, when to clear an aircraft for landing, what headings to give a pilot, etc.).
  • Describe the career path needed to become an air traffic controller.

Supplies

  • None

Advisor Note

Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and in life.

Activity 1

Tower Tour Orientation

Before entering the tower with the Explorers, lead a discussion about their understanding of the operations that take place within. Consider asking these questions to get them thinking:

  • How tall do you think this tower is? Elaborate on why traffic control towers are specific heights.
  • What hours of the day and week do you think this tower is open? Discuss why the hours are what they are for this particular tower, and why other towers may have different operating hours.
  • Does every airport in the country have a traffic control tower? Every airport in the world? Describe a scenario (in and out of the country) in which an airport would not have a tower.
  • Who is allowed in the tower? Who is not allowed? Elaborate on the security measures in place that allow certain people to enter the tower and prohibit others.

 

TOWER TOUR

Emphasize to the Explorers that they must be respectful of the controllers while touring the facility. As an Advisor, you need to make sure they are quiet and do not touch anything because their actions may affect the pilots in the area. At an appropriate time, let Explorers ask questions.

Reflection

FOCUSING QUESTIONS

  • What is one new thing you learned during today’s discussion?

 

 

ANALYSIS QUESTIONS

  • Based on what you saw and heard today, describe what you would do in this situation: You have an aircraft on the runway that just landed. The pilot did not listen to your directions and missed his turnoff. You have another aircraft on final passing over the numbers and a third aircraft entering the pattern crosswind. The traffic is a little too close for comfort. Create a plan to execute quickly so that all involved have a safe flight.
  • What kinds of skills or characteristics do you believe an air traffic controller needs to possess in order to be successful?

 

 

GENERALIZATION QUESTIONS

  • What can you do now, during your time as a student, to prepare yourself for this or a similar career in the aviation field?

Advisor and Officer review

After the meeting, address the following:

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TOUR
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