14 Wing visit a shared conversation on regional air traffic control practices
14 Wing Greenwood recently hosted a team of controllers from Nav Canada for air traffic control discussions, aimed at fostering mutual insight and collaboration through the wing’s various operations.
The idea for the May 23 visit began as a conversation with 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron CC130 Hercules pilot Captain Michael Leduchowski, who raised the possibility of visiting the Moncton Area Control Center (ACC) to gain a better understanding of Nav Canada’s air traffic controllers’ perspective.
“It was easier to bring a few of us to all of you here,” joked Chris Wonnacott, Halifax Terminal Control unit controller for the Moncton ACC. Wonnacott and the rest of the Nav Can team were excited to put faces to familiar radio voices, and gain valuable insight that could help streamline flight planning procedures.
“It eliminates all the filtering, and I just think it’s really good to break down some of those barriers that we have between each other and just figure out how we can best work together,” Wonnacott said.
405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Arsenault and 413 Squadron Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Norris thanked the visitors for taking the time to work directly with squadron personnel.
“I really appreciate the care and flexibility that you afford us – we consider you to be a part of the SAR chain of events. You make our lives a heck of a lot easier,” said Norris.
The visit began with pilots from 413 Squadron’s Hercules and CH149 Cormorant crews, and from CP140 Aurora crews with 405, 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) and 415 (Long Range Patrol Force Development) squadrons; all joining in a face-to-face, wide-ranging discussion. The group then all attended a virtual meeting, adding in representatives from CH146 Griffin and CH148 Cyclone aircraft and Military Flight Advisory Units from CFB Gagetown’s 403 (Helicopter Operational Training) Squadron, and 12 Wing Shearwater’s 12 Operations Support and 406 (Maritime Operational Training) squadrons. They then visited 14 Wing’s Air Traffic Control crew in the terminal and tower cab.
“As ATC – especially for the terminal side, we work with Nav Canada everyday because our air spaces touch and we hand each other aircraft,” said 14 Wing terminal controller and unit flight safety officer Captain Marion Olivier.
“The goal is to have an exchange of ideas and to better understand each other: the needs for us as ATC in Greenwood, and those of all the pilots and their operations, because we do a lot of non-standard training and missions.”
The Moncton controllers improved their own understanding of the training and operational requirements and procedures that take place everyday in Nova Scotia. The exchange will improve communication, efficiency and safety both for 14 Wing’s aircrews and other aircraft operating in the air space over the Maritimes.
“The best way to understand somebody is to talk to them but, sometimes on the radio, you don’t really have time to explain that much,” said Olivier. “As a controller, I understand that, too. You’ll try to accommodate the pilots but, if you don’t understand why, it’s hard to provide the best service you can.”
Part of the discussions involved clarifying operational procedures, and exploring solutions to common communication barriers during military missions.
“When they’re flying IFR (by Instrument Flight Rules), pilots will be controlled by Greenwood’s ATC if they’re local but, when they depart our air space to train or for a mission, they’ll always go through Moncton ACC first. A lot of training they do will be with them because they’ll most likely be operating in their area of responsibility,” Olivier said. Because Nav Canada’s system is designed for simple flight plans, it can be challenging for 14 Wing pilots to effectively communicate their complex and dynamic flight paths during operations. Miscommunications during a mission affect flight safety.
“Surprises are generally not good in the aviation industry,” said Moncton ACC low altitude controller Mike Oxner.
Fortunately, 14 Wing and Moncton ACC have a longstanding partnership: discussions like these strengthen communications between all parties, ensuring life-saving operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
“You guys are really easy to get along with, despite the odd stuff that you do,” Oxner said with a laugh.
