Dual control at Vance graduates more pilots

  • Published
  • By Airman Zoё T. Perkins
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Vance implemented the Dual Local Control Concept for the Inhofe Air Traffic Control Tower today.

This concept allows student pilots who were once manning the T-6 runway from the flight line, to return to training while air traffic controllers work it from the tower.

Dual local control will be a safer and more beneficial process, and will allow students to return to training, said Master Sgt. Jeremy R. Garrett, Chief Controller in the tower. That means more pilots will graduate each year, he said.

“Before we would have three to four students and instructor pilots manning the T-6A Texan II runway supervisory unit throughout three different shifts a day, taking the time of nine to 12 pilots,” said Garrett.

Now with the air traffic controllers working the RSU from a second local control position, the initial numbers show an increase of 20 to 35 percent for pilots graduating per year. It has also reduced air traffic controller upgrade time by 30 to 40 percent, said Garrett.

“The changes have been big changes,” said Garrett. “It may have taken a long time, but we have moved really fast.

“This innovative concept was briefed to Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast (Air Education & Training Command commander) during his visit to Vance, and he approved the idea on the spot,” said Garrett.

“Since his approval, commanders around AETC have pitched the idea, and teams are now starting to come visit to see how Team Vance is changing the flying community,” said Garrett.