Aviano Control Tower, the best for USAF

(To air Force)
21/11/19

The Aviano Control Tower was selected among the 137 other Control Towers managed by the USAF in the world as the number one body for the quality of the service provided. It is the first time for Aviano and it is the first time that, after 24 years, this has happened for a control tower belonging to the United States Forces in Europe (USAFE). The "Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year" award recognizes the outstanding achievements of the Air Traffic Control Team and has existed since 1963.

Aviano was also selected among other 98 bases for the "Airfield Operations Flight Complex of the year" award. This recognition was also achieved by the Aviano base for the first time and, in general, it is the first time since 13 that a USAFE base has been obtained. The award exists from the 1998 and recognizes the exceptional results and successes achieved by the teams belonging to the flight operations such as, among others, the aerodrome operator, the air traffic control service, the radar, the weather station and the telecommunications systems .

The award is awarded based on the ability to provide the air traffic control service, the management of the maneuvering area and the weather system, the ability to manage workloads for unusual and emergency situations, the ability to support aerodrome operations and services as recognized by users of services and systems and also for the excellent results obtained in the management of training programs.

The contribution of the Air Force to each of the awarded services is of fundamental importance as in addition to guaranteeing national sovereignty, the Armed Force employs its own controller staff every day to provide air navigation services and the assistant staff for the compilation and validation of flight plans, the issuance of Notams (NOtice To AirMen) or notices to mariners, and the dissemination of aeronautical information. Finally, the weather staff guarantees the issuance of metar and met report meteorological bulletins, while the telecommunications staff guarantees the solidity and functionality of the telecommunication systems and equipment.

In the history of the USAF, Aviano is the first base that was able to win both awards in the same year. The consolidated partnership between the Italian Air Force and the USAF, which is the only one of its kind in terms of quality and complexity of the services provided, was of fundamental importance for achieving these results. All operators with their daily actions, their willingness to serve and their commitment alongside their American colleagues have contributed to the achievement of these important awards. The members of both Armed Forces present at Aviano have distinguished themselves through mutual respect, trust, teamwork and dedication, in achieving the common goal of providing the best airfield service and the best supply of air traffic services in Europe and the world.