Pilots flock to the Freedom Wing for MACA

  • Published
  • By Christian Deluca
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --       
The 514th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office hosted a Mid-Air Collision Avoidance seminar May 2 to provide information to local civilian pilots on the proper and safe way to fly through the base's airspace.
      More than 90 people arrived in approximately 40 personal aircraft to attend the seminar, which is one of a very few events where civilian pilots are allowed to land at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
      "This was the first time I've had the opportunity to land here," said George Green, who has been flying for 50 years. "I've landed my plane in all 50 states and a lot of places in Canada. This is great."
      Lt. Col. Dean Owens, 514th AMW chief of safety, said the day was a chance for local aviators to come to the base, learn about what the wing does and get information about maneuvering their aircraft in and around the base's airspace.
      It also provides on-the-job training for the base's air traffic controllers.
      Due to the increased use of the more economical flight simulators rather than actual flight-time for military pilots, air traffic controllers are getting less practice at their jobs, Owens said. Civilian pilots flying in the base's airspace can fill in some of that gap, as long as they are aware of the proper procedures.
      "Communication is the key," Owens said talking to a group of aviators. "It's like seeing a deer when you're driving down the road. What's behind that one deer? Another deer. A lot of times we fly in a (line) formation, one after another after another. Sometimes only minutes apart. So if you're looking for that one KC-10 before scuttling across, there might be nine more coming."
      After speaking with Owens about safe flying procedures and tower communications, the aviators were able to tour a KC-10, C-17, the air control tower and the radar approach control, as well as, speak with Airmen about their positions.
      The whole day was planned to improve interoperability between civilians and military sharing the same airspace.
      "That's why we wanted you here," said Owens. "That's why we want you to come back. We want you to feel comfortable flying around here."