and YOU

Thanks to Travis Jensen, Eugene Air Traffic Controller, for coming to our safety meeting.

ATC: To provide safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of aircraft through our country’s national airspace system

The first pilots navigated much like the first weather forecasters—by looking out the window.

In 1929 the first air traffic controller, Archie W. League,

brought some clarity to the confusion with the help of

two flags. He would wave a checkered flag at pilots when

he wanted them to land or take off. He waved a red one

when he wanted them to hold. Today’s Archie League

ATC “SAVE” awards are given in his honor.

By 1932, almost all airline aircraft were being equipped for radio-telephone communication, and about 20 radio control towers were operating by 1935.

Check-out this YouTube video and be glad we have GPS!

2011 air traffic continues to grow

Air traffic controllers at the busiest airports.

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Service provided to VFR pilots

Enhance safety

Issue traffic advisories

Provides help (vectors, terrain, emergencies).

KEUG and surrounding area

The Eugene controllers work both in the tower and the radar approach control. Radio calls to the tower will be:"Eugene Tower" or "Eugene Ground.”

Contact Cascade Approach on 119.6 at least 12 miles from the airport

Why?

The tower owns the airspace within 6 miles of the airport. Calling 12 or more miles from the airport will allow the approach controller to radar identify you, issue pattern entry instructions, and in the event it is necessary, provide a vector to avoid traffic or establish a landing sequence, all prior to you entering the tower's airspace.

If you are within 5 miles of the airport, are not on a vector for sequencing, and are still on approach frequency, ask the controller if you should call the tower.

Why?

At 5 miles you are already in the tower's airspace.

Perhaps the approach controller has coordinated with the

tower controller and is vectoring you to follow another

aircraft, but more likely either they forgot to tell you to

call the tower (It happens, they’re human too!), or you

missed the frequency change (It happens. you're human

too!) 747shave landed at SFO on approach control's

frequency (Without a landing clearance.) because either

the pilot or the controller forgot to change frequencies.

For example, If inbound stay 2-3 miles left of the outbound departure course centerline .

If you have a request for a particular runway let the approach controller know as early as possible.

Why?

The earlier we know, the better the chance we can make it happen. We will make every effort to accommodate your request, but there will be times we are not able to because of other traffic.

No problem of yours is insignificant to us. Your safety is our number one priority! That's what we're here for!

If you're having any kind of problem with

your aircraft or avionics let us know as soon

as possible.

Why?

Knowing as soon as possible allows us to adjust

our plans accordingly and arrange for assistance

should you require it.

When you are "cleared for the option" you can make a touch and go, stop and go, low approach, or full stop.

If you want something unusual (power out, low pass

with mid-field break, etc.) please specifically

request it. The controller will almost always

accommodate these requests, but if you do

something unexpected it can create a conflict with

another aircraft.

For more information visit NATCA Local – EUG Air Traffic Control

For Western Oregon Website.