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RAPCON team patrols New Jersey airspace

  • Published
  • By Airman Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Air traffic control specialists with the 305th Operation Support Squadron radar approach control here ensure the sky above New Jersey is a safe place for both private and military aircraft.

The civilians and Airmen with RAPCON have a 24/7, 365 days a year duty to maintain a safe flow of air-traffic, to ensuring all aircraft stay on the correct flight plan.

The RAPCON at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst 'talked to' and guided 137,030 aircraft through their area of responsibility during the 2011 fiscal year. Senior Airman Christopher Schimmel, 305th OSS RAPCON Air Traffic Control specialist said the airspace above the north east region of the U.S. is one of the busiest in the nation. The personnel are responsible for an area covering most of New Jersey, from the ground to 8,000 feet, which includes two military and 10 civilian airports. Every aircraft entering the airspace is tracked and monitored.

The RAPCON air traffic controllers understand the gravity of their job and do not take it lightly.

"This job comes with a huge responsibility and our training helps us acknowledge and deal with that fact," said Schimmel. "Not only are we responsible for the well being of the aircraft, but the people on board as well."

There are different flight rules involved for different types of aircraft, whether it be a two passenger Cessna or a C-17A Globemaster III. Smaller private aircraft fall under what is known as visual flight rules which means a pilot does not require instruction from RAPCON to navigate an aircraft. Larger Aircraft, including all military and commercial jet liners, must use instrument flight rules. This means these aircraft must keep in constant contact with RAPCON for instruction and feedback.

Schimmel said an air traffic controller career in the military is highly sought after because of the applications and job availability in the civilian world. Senior Airman Josh Presser, RAPCON Air Traffic Control apprentice, switched from his job in fuels to pursue this new career path.

"I have always had an interest in aviation and air traffic control," said Presser. "Once I finally got the opportunity to get into this career field, I couldn't pass it up."

Presser stressed the importance of his job by saying it is the backbone of modern aviation. He also emphasized without RAPCON and other air traffic control operations, the mission could not be accomplished.

The RAPCON building on base is never empty as operations run around the clock. The personnel evenly disperse the graveyard shifts to ensure Airmen and civilians get enough rest between shifts. They must stay sharp in order to guarantee the success of the mission. Pilots on the flightline rely on them to provide them with accurate and up-to-date information.

"RAPCON essentially keep us safe by giving us the right altitude and helping us deconflict with other traffic," said Capt. Donald Benzing, 6th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot.

"They are our eyes in the sky, and we trust them one hundred percent."