Kyrgyz air controllers view Manas from the ground

  • Published
  • By Maj. Adriane Craig
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  Kyrgyz Air Navigation controllers who help keep a watchful eye on the sky over Manas finally had a chance to get the "ground's eye" view of Manas Air Base in July. 

The controller crews toured the base as part of their ongoing English education program with members of the 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron. 

The group of approximately 40 is focused on helping the Kyrgyz controllers improve their English so they can earn their international certification. They have been meeting for about four weeks. 

English is the international standard for aviation, and the Kyrgyz air traffic controllers have just until March to prepare. To help his controllers get ready, KAN Director General Shakir Djangaziev enlisted support from the 376th Expeditionary Operations Group, and Maj. Michael Smith was a natural fit for the task. 

The commander of the 376th EOSS, responsible for airfield operations and management for the base, is no stranger to the air traffic control members. 

Backed by a band of volunteers from the operations group, medical group and wing safety, he set up a daily meeting with the Kyrgyz controllers. A group meets each weekday to practice aviation phraseology as well as conversational English. 

The classes help put study into practice. In addition to learning new vocabulary, the group gets a chance to perfect grammar and pronunciation. It's also a chance for the controllers to strengthen relationships with their counterparts. 

"This forum provides a wonderful opportunity for the coalition instructors to demystify operational and cultural differences," Major Smith said. 

Practical exercises enhance the exchanges, with controllers taking turns in an air traffic controller simulator with coalition pilots. The pilots "fly" varying approaches and make the necessary radio calls, giving the KAN controller an opportunity to listen and react to different situations using English. 

"Running various simulator scenarios test the controller and pilot's ability to effectively and efficiently communicate," Major Smith said. 

At the end of every English class session, the controllers present the pilots with past situations and recorded exchanges where some perceived or real violation of procedures occurred. Misunderstandings are often resolved through explanation, while legitimate mistakes and errors are brought back to the various flying units for corrective action. 

Volunteer pilots also occasionally visit the approach tower controllers during the busy time of day to listen to the real-time pilot-controller exchanges. During these visits, confusion or misunderstanding of coalition flying procedures and radio calls are explained on the spot. 

Aibek Akmatov, a senior KAN controller, has found those exchanges particularly helpful. 

"Talking with the pilot was informative. The ability to speak to the coalition pilots directly is very useful," Mr. Akmatov said. 

Lt. Col. Randall Reed, the 376th EOG commander, knows the value of the program extends beyond simply communicating. 

"Not only do we have a vested interest in helping improve the capability of those controllers who will communicate to our pilots, but we have an opportunity to help improve air operations overall," he said. 

In addition to increasing the level of safety of air travel in Kyrgyzstan, Colonel Reed said earning and maintaining international certification will strengthen the aviation industry and promote increased air traffic, which would generate revenues for additional improvements. 

On a more personal note, an added bonus of the English education has been increased understanding between the two cultures. This was reinforced this week as the controllers visited areas on base and interacted with Airmen outside the operations group. 

"These exchanges make us realized that all of us are more alike than different, and share many of the same hopes, dreams and passions," Major Smith said.

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page