Tower Tales - ATC Podcast

SummaryIn this 11th episode of Tower Tales, host Mahesh Sharma engages with veteran Group Captain Hem Srivastava, who shares his illustrious journey in Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Indian Air Force. The conversation covers Gp Captain's early motivations for joining the Air Force, his experiences as a young ATCO, the evolution of technology in ATC, and the challenges faced during his career. Gp Capt emphasizes the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and the critical role of ATC in ensuring aviation safety. He also reflects on his post-retirement life, continuing contributions to the ATC community, and the significance of his 50-year career in aviation.Takeaways     The importance of mentorship inshaping young ATCOs.Teamwork is crucial in handlingemergencies in ATC.Technological advancements havesignificantly improved ATC operations.Early experiences in ATC can shape acontroller's career.Continuous learning and adaptation areessential in aviation.The role of ATC is critical inensuring aviation safety.Networking and maintaining connectionswith former colleagues is valuable.A strong foundation in training leadsto better performance in ATC.The journey in ATC is a lifelongcommitment and passion. Chapters03:29 Early Influences and Career Path06:12 Memorable First Experiences in ATC11:08 Challenges and Technology Limitations in ATC14:05 Handling Emergencies and Critical Situations17:56 Attributes for Success in Air Traffic Control21:40 The Role of Air Traffic Controllers in Military Operations26:35 Significant Contributions as Director of ATS31:57 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship37:13 Staying Connected with the ATC Community

In this episode of Tower Tales, Mahesh interviews veteran Group Captain Anuroop Kumar, who shares his extensive journey in air traffic control (ATC) within the Indian Air Force. The conversation covers his early experiences, the importance of mentorship, the challenges faced during modernization efforts, critical incidents that tested his decision-making skills, and reflections on his career achievements. Gp Capt Kumar emphasizes the significance of a strong foundation in ATC training and the lessons learned from both successes and challenges throughout his career. The episode concludes with Gp Capt Kumar's thoughts on life after retirement and the lasting impact of his experiences in ATC. Key Takeaways ·       Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping young controllers. ·       Building a strong foundation in ATC is essential for success. ·       Critical incidents test the skills and composure of controllers. ·       Reflections on career achievements highlight the importance of teamwork. ·       Understanding the limitations of equipment is vital for safety. ·       Local knowledge and advice are invaluable in operational settings. Chapters 02:08     Journey into Air Traffic Control 06:02     Early Experiences and Learning in ATC 12:11     Training and Mentorship in ATC 16:00     Modernization of IAF Airports and Challenges 22:10     Critical Incidents and Decision-Making in ATC 30:07     Reflections on Career Achievements 33:52     Life After Retirement

This episode of Tower Tales features Mahesh in conversation with Air Commodore AD Chhibbar, a veteran fighter pilot who shares his experiences and insights on air traffic control (ATC) and the critical role of communication and situational awareness in military aviation. The discussion highlights the relationship between pilots and air traffic controllers, emphasizing the importance of concise instructions and the evolution of technology in enhancing aviation safety. Takeaways The role of air traffic controllers is crucial for pilot safety. Modern technology has significantly improved ATC operations. Effective communication is key in high-pressure situations. Situational awareness can prevent aviation accidents. Concise instructions from controllers can save lives. Experience plays a vital role in effective ATS management. The relationship between military pilots and controllers is built on trust. Military aviation requires adaptability and quick decision-making.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background of Air Commodore Chibber 05:08 The Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot 06:55 The Importance of Air Traffic Control 10:30 Military vs. Civil Air Traffic Control 11:38 Navigational Aids and Situational Awareness 13:59 The Role of Controllers in Aviation Safety 19:57 Humor in High-Pressure Situations 20:16 The Role of Air Traffic Controllers in War 22:26 Adaptability and Flexibility in Air Force Operations 23:53 Training and Communication for Controllers 25:03 Situational Awareness in Air Traffic Control 27:24 Memorable Controllers and Their Impact

In this conversation, Mahesh Sharma reconnects with veteran Group Captain Govind Saxena, exploring his journey in the Air Force, starting from his motivations to join, his experiences during his first posting in Chandigarh, and the mentorship he received. Gp Capt Saxena shares memorable incidents, challenges faced during his tenure, especially in Chandigarh and Tezpur, and the importance of support and guidance in the military environment. The discussion highlights the camaraderie, learning experiences, and the unique challenges of being an ATC officer. Gp Capt Saxena also discusses the importance of interpersonal relationships within the ATC environment and emphasizes the need for aspiring controllers to maintain a positive mindset, stay ahead of traffic, and continuously seek professional growth. He reflects on his own career regrets and offers valuable advice for the next generation of air traffic controllers.   Takeaways   Mentorship played a crucial role in his development as an officer. He emphasizes the importance of communication in critical situations. He learned valuable lessons from mistakes made during operations. His experiences reflect the importance of mentorship in the Air Force.  Building interpersonal relationships enhances teamwork in ATC. Maintaining a positive mindset is essential for controllers. Being ahead of traffic is key to effective control. Good humor and balance are important on duty. Continuous professional development is vital for success. Interpersonal skills are as important as technical skills in ATC.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background of Govind Saxena 02:54 First Posting at Chandigarh: Memorable Experiences 06:02 Mentorship and Learning in the Air Force 08:57 Transition to Tezpur: New Challenges and Experiences 12:14 Handling Difficult Situations as a Controller 14:59 Navigating Night Flying and Trainee Pilots 18:02 Challenges Faced : Terrain and Operations 29:50 Memorable Incidents in Air Traffic Control 32:24 Building Interpersonal Relationships in ATC 38:49 Advice for Aspiring Air Traffic Controllers 46:55 Reflections on Professional Growth

In this episode of Tower Tales, host Mahesh Sharma interviews Wing Commander Sanjoy Chakravorty, a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force. The conversation covers Chakravorty's early motivations for joining the Air Force, his experiences during his first postings, and the mentorship he received. He shares memorable incidents from his time in Jaisalmer and Bagdogra, highlighting the challenges and innovations he introduced in air traffic management. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring air traffic controllers, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Takeaways The importance of mentorship in shaping a young ATC officer's career. Experiences in Jaisalmer were both challenging and adventurous. Innovative solutions can significantly improve operational efficiency. Understanding the terrain is crucial for effective air traffic management. Building a strong rapport with pilots enhances safety and communication. Proactive problem-solving can prevent potential incidents. Early experiences set the foundation for a successful career in ATC. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to proficiency in air traffic control. Collaboration among team members is essential for effective operations. A good controller must balance practical skills with theoretical knowledge.

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Tower Tales where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In this episode of Tower Tales, host Mahesh Sharma interviews Group Captain Rajesh Kaul, a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force. They discuss Kaul's journey into the Air Force, his experiences as a young controller, the challenges faced in early ATC, and the importance of situational awareness and teamwork. Kaul shares anecdotes from his career, including near misses and critical situations, as well as his contributions to improving ATC training and procedures. The conversation highlights the evolution of air traffic control and the significance of mentorship and encouragement in the field. Key Takeaway ·       Early experiences shaped his career as a controller. ·       Technical challenges in ATC require adaptability. ·       Encouragement from seniors is crucial for growth. ·       Situational awareness is key in air traffic control. ·       Mistakes can lead to valuable lessons. ·       Teamwork among controllers is essential for safety. ·       Innovative approaches can improve ATC training. ·       Breaking elitism in categorization helps younger controllers. Milestones 00:00  Introduction to Tower Tales and Guest Introduction 03:08  Early Memories and Journey to Air Traffic Control 06:02  Formative Experiences as a Young Controller 08:49  Challenges of Early Air Traffic Control 12:01  Technical Challenges and Controller Skills 14:58  Near Misses and Critical Situations in Control 20:49  Lessons Learned from Close Calls 30:06  Contributions and Notable Achievements in ATC 35:53  Reflections on Career and Legacy

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Tower Tales where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In this conversation host Mahesh Sharma interviews Group Captain N Krishnamurthy, an octogenarian veteran air traffic controller, who shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his love for sports, especially table tennis, which led him to join the Air Force. He recounts his experiences during the 1965 war and the challenges faced by air traffic controllers at that time. He also talks about his role in inducting new transportable radar systems and the importance of transparency and curiosity in the field. He shares a memorable incident where he had to guide a formation of four Gnat ac to safety after he realised that they were not on the intended path to destination. Overall, he emphasises the attributes of a good controller, including appreciation, anticipation, reaction, and the ability to foresee and prevent potential issues. Takeaways: • During the 1965 war, air traffic controllers faced challenges in managing the airspace • Implementing new radar systems, such as the transportable GCA, improved air traffic control capabilities. • Transparency and curiosity are important attributes for air traffic controllers, as they need to be able to relate trends, see patterns, and share knowledge. • A good controller should have attributes like appreciation, anticipation, reaction, and the ability to foresee and prevent potential issues. Milestones 03:14 Life and Times as an ATC Officer 04:56 Joining the Air Force and Love for Sports 05:42 Commissioning and Posting during the 1965 War 06:52 ATC Operations during the War 15:50 Role as a CO of a Transportable GCA 19:44 Work as an Examiner in ATC DASI 23:27 Getting the Proficiency Badge for ATCOs 24:49 Challenging Incident as a DATCO at Hindon 26:04 The Power of Curiosity and Inquisitiveness 35:56 Proactive Thinking and Quick Decision-Making

Welcome to the fourth episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In this episode, host Mahesh Sharma interviews Wing Commander BJP Rao, a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force. Rao shares his experiences and challenges in the field of air traffic control, including his role in crash firefighting and rescue. He emphasizes the importance of being alert yet relaxed, having sharp visual and oral acuity, and maintaining presence of mind as a controller. Rao also discusses the need for open communication and the institutionalisation of lessons learned in order to prevent mistakes and ensure safety. He shares a harrowing incident where he successfully guided four aircraft to safety during a severe rainstorm. Takeaways Being alert yet relaxed is crucial for air traffic controllers Sharp visual and oral acuity are necessary skills for controllers Presence of mind and the ability to anticipate and respond to unexpected situations are important Open communication and the institutionalization of lessons learned are vital for preventing mistakes and ensuring safety A challenging incident highlights the importance of calmness, anticipation, and proficiency in air traffic control 00:00Introduction to Tower Tales and Guest Introduction 03:29Background and Early Training 06:55First Posting and Early Experiences 09:33Crash Firefighting and Rescue Training 12:32Transition to HAL and ISO Certification 20:06Qualities of a Good Air Traffic Controller 28:37Transitioning to Civilian Air Traffic Control 32:38Handling a Severe Rainstorm Incident 44:18Conclusion and Closing Remarks Watch this on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Subscribe to Mahesh's YouTube Channel and reach out to him to host a podcast for you at mahesh.iaf@gmail.com.

Welcome to the third episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, to unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode veteran Wing Commander Praful Rao shares fond memories of his time in the Air Force, including incidents where his expertise in crash firefighting and rescue saved lives. He also emphasizes the importance of professionalism and camaraderie between controllers and pilots. Overall, the episode provides insights into the critical role of air traffic controllers in ensuring the safety of the skies. Takeaways - 1. Air traffic controllers must make quick and correct decisions to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers. 2. The equipment used in ATC was rudimentary those days, as compared to modern technology, and it called for greater awareness, memorising, computational skills on the part of controllers. 3. Crash firefighting and rescue is a crucial aspect of an ATC officer's role, requiring training and quick response. 4. The rapport between controllers and pilots is essential for maintaining a safe flying environment. 5. ATC officers must possess attributes such as quick thinking, multitasking, and professionalism. 6. The Air Force provides valuable experiences and shapes the lives of its members. Highlights - 1. Introduction and Background of Wing Commander Praful Rao 2. Joining the Air Force and Training as an ATC Officer 3. First Posting and Experiences as a Young ATC Officer 4. The Equipment and Limitations of ATC in the Past 5. The Importance of Quick Decision-Making in ATC 6. The Role of Crash Firefighting and Rescue in ATC 7. Attributes of a Good Air Traffic Controller 8. The Camaraderie Between Controllers and Pilots 9. The Impact of the Air Force on Personal Growth Watch this on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Subscribe to Mahesh's YouTube Channel and reach out to him to host a podcast for you at mahesh.iaf@gmail.com.

Welcome to the second episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, to unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode Air Vice Marshal JS Gandyok (retd) AVSM, VSM, shares his experiences as an air traffic controller. Key highlights are - Introduction to Tower Tales// Guest Introduction: Air Vice Marshal J.S. Gandyok// Building Team Cohesion and Leading by Example// Handling Tough Weather Situations// The Importance of Pilot-Controller Rapport// Technological Limitations and Evolving Technology// Challenges Faced by Controllers Today// The Importance of Pilot-Controller Rapport// Taking on Additional Duties as a Controller// Lighthearted Conversation// The Satisfaction of Being an Air Traffic Controller. Watch this on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Subscribe to my Channel and reach out to me to host a podcast for you at mahesh.iaf@gmail.com.

Welcome to the first episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, where they unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode Air Marshal HB Rajaram (retd) PVSM, AVSM, VSM, shares his experiences as an air traffic controller.

"Welcome to 'Tower Tales,' the podcast that brings you the untold stories of the heroes who have silently safeguarded our skies. I am Group Captain Mahesh Sharma, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, where I served as an air traffic controller and performed various operational roles and assignments. I also had the honour of serving alongside some of the finest controllers, and through this podcast, I aim to bring their untold stories to light. In this series, we dive deep into the professional and personal lives of veteran air traffic controllers who have served in the Indian Air Force. These are the men and women who, with unwavering precision and calm, guided countless aircraft safely and expeditiously through the skies, often under the most challenging and stressful conditions imaginable. ATC is known to be one of the most stressful jobs in the world, and military ATC takes it to another level. This podcast is a tribute to those who have kept our nation’s skies safe under the most demanding conditions. Each episode will feature an in-depth interview with a veteran controller, revealing the kind of stress, challenges, and rigors they faced, especially when technology was not as advanced as it is today. Imagine controlling the skies with old communication and navigational equipment, relying on sheer skill and experience to ensure every mission's success. Through these conversations, you'll hear fascinating anecdotes, heroic tales, and experiences that have never been shared publicly before. From the tense moments in the control tower to the lighter, more humorous side of their daily operations, 'Tower Tales' will give you a glimpse into the lives of these unsung heroes. You'll hear about the high-pressure moments, the split-second decisions, and the deep bonds formed between controllers and pilots during critical operations and campaigns.  These narratives will showcase not only the professional excellence but also the camaraderie and mutual respect that define the world of military aviation. Join us as we honor these remarkable individuals and their extraordinary contributions to aviation safety and national security. Welcome to 'Tower Tales' – where the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning of our stories." So, buckle up and join me as we embark on this journey through the lives and times of Indian Air Force air traffic controllers. 'Tower Tales' is where the voices from the control tower finally get their moment in the spotlight. Stay tuned for our first episode, where we'll begin our adventure with an extraordinary controller who has a lifetime of stories to share.