Episodes
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This episode of Tower Tales features Mahesh in conversation with Air Commodore AD Chhibbar, a veteran fighter pilot who shares his experiences and insights on air traffic control (ATC) and the critical role of communication and situational awareness in military aviation. The discussion highlights the relationship between pilots and air traffic controllers,emphasizing the importance of concise instructions and the evolution of technology in enhancing aviation safety.
Takeaways
The role of air traffic controllers iscrucial for pilot safety.
Modern technology has significantly improvedATC operations.
Effective communication is key inhigh-pressure situations.
Situational awareness can prevent aviationaccidents.
Concise instructions from controllers cansave lives.
Experience plays a vital role in effective ATSmanagement.
The relationship between military pilots andcontrollers is built on trust.
Military aviation requires adaptability andquick decision-making.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of AirCommodore Chibber
05:08 The Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot
06:55 The Importance of Air Traffic Control
10:30 Military vs. Civil Air Traffic Control
11:38 Navigational Aids and SituationalAwareness
13:59 The Role of Controllers in AviationSafety
19:57 Humor in High-Pressure Situations
20:16 The Role of Air Traffic Controllers inWar
22:26 Adaptability and Flexibility in AirForce Operations
23:53 Training and Communication forControllers
25:03 Situational Awareness in Air TrafficControl
27:24 Memorable Controllers and Their Impact
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In this conversation, Mahesh Sharma reconnects with veteran Group Captain Govind Saxena, exploring his journey in the Air Force, starting from his motivations to join, his experiences during his first posting in Chandigarh, and the mentorship he received. Gp Capt Saxena shares memorable incidents, challenges faced during his tenure, especially in Chandigarh and Tezpur, and the importance of support and guidance in the military environment. The discussion highlights the camaraderie, learning experiences, and the unique challenges of being an ATC officer. Gp Capt Saxena alsodiscusses the importance of interpersonal relationships within the ATC environment and emphasizes the need for aspiring controllers to maintain a positive mindset, stay ahead of traffic, and continuously seek professionalgrowth. He reflects on his own career regrets and offers valuable advice for the next generation of air traffic controllers.
Takeaways
Mentorship played a crucial role in hisdevelopment as an officer.
He emphasizes the importance ofcommunication in critical situations.
He learned valuable lessons from mistakesmade during operations.
His experiences reflect the importance ofmentorship in the Air Force.
Building interpersonal relationshipsenhances teamwork in ATC.
Maintaining a positive mindset is essentialfor controllers.
Being ahead of traffic is key to effectivecontrol.
Good humor and balance are important onduty.
Continuous professional development isvital for success.
Interpersonal skills are as important astechnical skills in ATC.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of GovindSaxena
02:54 First Posting at Chandigarh:Memorable Experiences
06:02 Mentorship and Learning in the AirForce
08:57 Transition to Tezpur: New Challengesand Experiences
12:14 Handling Difficult Situations as aController
14:59 Navigating Night Flying and TraineePilots
18:02 Challenges Faced : Terrain andOperations
29:50 Memorable Incidents in Air TrafficControl
32:24 Building Interpersonal Relationshipsin ATC
38:49 Advice for Aspiring Air TrafficControllers
46:55 Reflections on Professional Growth
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Tower Tales, host Mahesh Sharma interviews Wing Commander Sanjoy Chakravorty, a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force. The conversation covers Chakravorty's early motivations for joining the Air Force, his experiences during his first postings, and the mentorship he received. He shares memorable incidents from his time in Jaisalmer and Bagdogra, highlighting the challenges and innovations he introduced in air traffic management. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring air traffic controllers, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Takeaways
The importance of mentorship in shaping a young ATC officer's career. Experiences in Jaisalmer were both challenging and adventurous. Innovative solutions can significantly improve operational efficiency. Understanding the terrain is crucial for effective air traffic management. Building a strong rapport with pilots enhances safety and communication. Proactive problem-solving can prevent potential incidents. Early experiences set the foundation for a successful career in ATC. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to proficiency in air traffic control. Collaboration among team members is essential for effective operations. A good controller must balance practical skills with theoretical knowledge. -
Welcome to the sixth episode of the Tower Tales where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In this episode of Tower Tales, host Mahesh Sharma interviews Group Captain Rajesh Kaul, a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force. They discuss Kaul's journey into the Air Force, his experiences as a young controller, the challenges faced in early ATC, and theimportance of situational awareness and teamwork. Kaul shares anecdotes from his career, including near misses and critical situations, as well as his contributions to improving ATC training and procedures. The conversation highlights the evolution of air traffic control and the significance of mentorship and encouragement in the field.
Key Takeaway
· Early experiences shaped his career as a controller.
· Technical challenges in ATC require adaptability.
· Encouragement from seniors is crucial for growth.
· Situational awareness is key in air traffic control.
· Mistakes can lead to valuable lessons.
· Teamwork among controllers is essential for safety.
· Innovative approaches can improve ATC training.
· Breaking elitism in categorization helps younger controllers.
Milestones
00:00 Introductionto Tower Tales and Guest Introduction
03:08 EarlyMemories and Journey to Air Traffic Control
06:02 FormativeExperiences as a Young Controller
08:49 Challengesof Early Air Traffic Control
12:01 TechnicalChallenges and Controller Skills
14:58 NearMisses and Critical Situations in Control
20:49 LessonsLearned from Close Calls
30:06 Contributionsand Notable Achievements in ATC
35:53 Reflectionson Career and Legacy
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Welcome to the fifth episode of the Tower Tales where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In this conversation host Mahesh Sharma interviews Group Captain N Krishnamurthy, an octogenarian veteran air traffic controller, who shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his love for sports, especially table tennis, which led him to join the Air Force. He recounts his experiences during the 1965 war and the challenges faced by air traffic controllers at that time. He also talks about his role in inducting new transportable radar systems and the importance of transparency and curiosity in the field. He shares a memorable incident where he had to guide a formation of four Gnat ac to safety after he realised that they were not on the intended path to destination. Overall, heemphasises the attributes of a good controller, including appreciation, anticipation, reaction, and the ability to foresee and prevent potential issues.
Takeaways:
• During the 1965 war, air traffic controllers faced challenges in managing the airspace
• Implementing new radar systems, such as the transportable GCA, improved air traffic control capabilities.
• Transparency and curiosity are important attributes for air traffic controllers, as they need to be able to relate trends, see patterns, and share knowledge.
• A good controller should have attributes like appreciation, anticipation, reaction, and the ability to foresee and prevent potential issues.
Milestones
03:14 Life and Times as an ATC Officer
04:56 Joining the Air Force and Love for Sports
05:42 Commissioning and Posting during the 1965 War
06:52 ATC Operations during the War
15:50 Role as a CO of a Transportable GCA
19:44 Work as an Examiner in ATC DASI
23:27 Getting the Proficiency Badge for ATCOs
24:49 Challenging Incident as a DATCO at Hindon
26:04 The Power of Curiosity and Inquisitiveness
35:56 Proactive Thinking and Quick Decision-Making
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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 control00:00Introduction to Tower Tales and Guest Introduction
03:29Background and Early Training
06:55First Posting and Early Experiences
09:33Crash Firefighting and Rescue Training
12:32Transition to HAL and ISO Certification
20:06Qualities of a Good Air Traffic Controller
28:37Transitioning to Civilian Air Traffic Control
32:38Handling a Severe Rainstorm Incident
44:18Conclusion 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 [email protected].
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Welcome to the third episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, to unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode veteran Wing Commander Praful Rao shares fond memories of his time in the Air Force, including incidents where his expertise in crash firefighting and rescue saved lives. He also emphasizes the importance of professionalism and camaraderie between controllers and pilots. Overall, the episode provides insights into the critical role of air traffic controllers in ensuring the safety of the skies.Takeaways - 1. Air traffic controllers must make quick and correct decisions to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.2. The equipment used in ATC was rudimentary those days, as compared to modern technology, and it called for greater awareness, memorising, computational skills on the part of controllers.3. Crash firefighting and rescue is a crucial aspect of an ATC officer's role, requiring training and quick response.4. The rapport between controllers and pilots is essential for maintaining a safe flying environment.5. ATC officers must possess attributes such as quick thinking, multitasking, and professionalism.6. The Air Force provides valuable experiences and shapes the lives of its members.Highlights - 1. Introduction and Background of Wing Commander Praful Rao2. Joining the Air Force and Training as an ATC Officer3. First Posting and Experiences as a Young ATC Officer4. The Equipment and Limitations of ATC in the Past5. The Importance of Quick Decision-Making in ATC6. The Role of Crash Firefighting and Rescue in ATC7. Attributes of a Good Air Traffic Controller8. The Camaraderie Between Controllers and Pilots9. The Impact of the Air Force on Personal GrowthWatch this on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Subscribe to Mahesh's YouTube Channel and reach out to him to host a podcast for you at [email protected].
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Welcome to the second episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, to unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode Air Vice Marshal JS Gandyok (retd) AVSM, VSM, shares his experiences as an air traffic controller. Key highlights are - Introduction to Tower Tales// Guest Introduction: Air Vice Marshal J.S. Gandyok// Building Team Cohesion and Leading by Example// Handling Tough Weather Situations// The Importance of Pilot-Controller Rapport// Technological Limitations and Evolving Technology// Challenges Faced by Controllers Today// The Importance of Pilot-Controller Rapport// Taking on Additional Duties as a Controller// Lighthearted Conversation// The Satisfaction of Being an Air Traffic Controller.
Watch this on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Subscribe to my Channel and reach out to me to host a podcast for you at [email protected].
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Welcome to the first episode of the 'Tower Tales,' where we bring you the untold stories of military air traffic controllers. In each episode, veteran Gp Capt Mahesh Sharma (host) talks to a veteran air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, where they unravel anecdotes, real stories, challenges, and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of air operations and national skies. In this episode Air Marshal HB Rajaram (retd) PVSM, AVSM, VSM, shares his experiences as an air traffic controller.
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"Welcome to 'Tower Tales,' the podcast that brings you the untoldstories of the heroes who have silently safeguarded our skies. I am GroupCaptain Mahesh Sharma, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, where I served as anair traffic controller and performed various operational roles and assignments.I also had the honour of serving alongside some of the finest controllers, andthrough this podcast, I aim to bring their untold stories to light.
In this series, we dive deep into the professional and personal lives ofveteran air traffic controllers who have served in the Indian Air Force. Theseare the men and women who, with unwavering precision and calm, guided countlessaircraft safely and expeditiously through the skies, often under the mostchallenging and stressful conditions imaginable. ATC is known to be one of themost stressful jobs in the world, and military ATC takes it to another level.This podcast is a tribute to those who have kept our nation’s skies safe underthe most demanding conditions.
Each episode will feature an in-depth interview with a veteran controller,revealing the kind of stress, challenges, and rigors they faced, especiallywhen technology was not as advanced as it is today. Imagine controlling theskies with old communication and navigational equipment, relying on sheer skilland experience to ensure every mission's success.
Through these conversations, you'll hear fascinating anecdotes, heroictales, and experiences that have never been shared publicly before. From thetense moments in the control tower to the lighter, more humorous side of theirdaily operations, 'Tower Tales' will give you a glimpse into the lives of theseunsung heroes. You'll hear about the high-pressure moments, the split-seconddecisions, and the deep bonds formed between controllers and pilots duringcritical operations and campaigns. Thesenarratives will showcase not only the professional excellence but also thecamaraderie and mutual respect that define the world of military aviation.
Join us as we honor these remarkable individuals and their extraordinarycontributions to aviation safety and national security. Welcome to 'TowerTales' – where the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning of ourstories." So, buckle up and join me as we embark on this journey throughthe lives and times of Indian Air Force air traffic controllers. 'Tower Tales'is where the voices from the control tower finally get their moment in thespotlight.
Stay tuned for our first episode, where we'll begin our adventure with anextraordinary controller who has a lifetime of stories to share.
