Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Acting Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo extolled the country’s air traffic controllers (ATCs), citing their untiring effort in servicing NAIA’s flights operating requirements during the onslaught of severe Tropical Storm “Paeng’” (International Name: “Nalgae”) last October 29, 2022.
Tamayo said this as he inspected the Manila Control Tower at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2. After speaking with ATCs on duty, Tamayo committed to improving the tower facilities and equipment, vowing support to the Air Traffic Service (ATS), and lauding them for keeping the Philippine skies and airports safe.
The control tower provides aerodrome control service to all aircraft operating on and in the vicinity of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Manila Aerodrome Control Zone that expands to 10 nautical miles on a 24-hour basis ensuring flights arrive and depart safely and economically. It operates under the condition of an intersecting Runway 06/24 and Runway 13/31 that serves all flights including commercial, general aviation, government and military flights.
Considered as the “unsung heroes” of aviation, it is the ATCs’ responsibility to guard the safety of our skies, their jobs involving heightened concentration, highly specialized training, and skills.
Stationed at control towers from across the country and at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC), ATCs are highly-trained professionals tasked with guiding pilots and aircraft in navigating the Philippine airspace, as well as in managing air traffic, especially in times when visibility may be low due to weather disturbances and other natural calamities.
Last weekend, the country was left in havoc by the strong winds and heavy rains spawned by “Paeng.” Having already made landfall, the typhoon made flying critically unsafe, forcing airlines to cancel several flights within the country.
During the typhoon, several ATCs on duty at the Manila Control Tower experienced shaking in the facility every time wind velocity went over 27 knots. For safety, they were instructed to evacuate the tower.
Despite the hazards of being trapped as the tower swayed side to side due to the strong wind, some ATCs decided to stay longer to make sure flights were assisted and operations were not halted. Meeting with the ATCs, DG Tamayo praised their level of commitment to public service and safety, noting that it is indeed worth recognizing.
As demand for air travel continues despite the ongoing rainy season, our ATCs nationwide continue to keep a close eye on weather disturbances to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers flying in the Philippine skies. (JERRY S. TAN)
