Did You Know

  • Published
  • By Steven Mann
  • 439th Air Traffic Manager
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  ...that the 439th Airfield Operations Flight supports more than 36,000 operations annually. Three distinct sections and an overhead staff make up the flight. Airfield management operations, weather, and the air traffic control tower all work together to provide safe and expeditious service to the flying community.

Phoenix Management Inc. operates airfield management operations, which coordinates with aircrews, air traffic control, andvarious base agencies that provide for safe operation of aircraft in the airfield environment. Dispatchers routinely enter national/ international flight plans, perform airfield inspections and issue flight safety notices to Airmen. The airfield manager plans and coordinates airfield construction projects with base civil engineers, flight safety, and contractors. They administer the airfield driving, wildlife management, and 337th Airlift Squadron communications security programs.

The weather office consists of four Department of Defense meteorological technicians who use real-time radar, satellite imagery, sensor readouts, meteorological model output, and visual observations to observe and forecast local and deployed conditions. They collaborate with Scott Air Force Base, Ill., weather forecasters to provide eyes-forward forecasting support for weather watches/warnings/advisories and terminal aerodrome forecasts specific to Westover. They also provide flight weather briefings in support of Westover's C-5 missions and transient aircrews. A MISSIONWATCH is also provided to Westover crews in which weather conditions are monitored for changes and mission limiting criteria. In the winter, detailed snow and ice plan forecasts are provided to assist with the planning of resources and personnel for snow and ice removal. Weather personnel routinely interface with local flying and ground units to provide critical information essential to flight and ground safety.

Eight DoD controllers and three staff work in the control tower. They initiate and issue air traffic control clearances, instructions, and advisories to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic operating under instrument and visual flight rules. The tower ensures separation of a mix of civil and military aircraft through radar and visual means. Westover Tower works with Bradley FAA Approach Control to provide service to a multitude of operations including C-5 tactical approaches, C-130 airdrops, and State Police missions while working routine arrivals and departures. In addition to the four runways, Westover provides regular ATC service to two off-base helipads at Mass Mutual and Bay State Hospital.

The airfield operations staff supports all three sections. The AO staff consist of an airfield operations manager, quality assurance, and an administrative specialist. Normal airfield operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. but the flight is prepared to support 24- hour operations based on military need.

       ...now you know.