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

00:00 Introduction to Tower Tales and Guest Introduction

03:29 Background and Early Training

06:55 First Posting and Early Experiences

09:33 Crash Firefighting and Rescue Training

12:32 Transition to HAL and ISO Certification

20:06 Qualities of a Good Air Traffic Controller

28:37 Transitioning to Civilian Air Traffic Control

32:38 Handling a Severe Rainstorm Incident

44:18 Conclusion 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.