Volume 48, No. 21, November 16, 2006
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SPOT ON: Air traffic controller FLGOFF David Moody from 44WG keeps a lookout on the roof of the Marriott Hotel while controlling the air space during the Lexmark Indy 300.
Photos by LACW Alice Gardiner |
By FLTLT Megan Horne
IT WAS a weekend of fast cars and fast aircraft for two members of 44WG recently, when they helped take control of the Lexmark Indy 300 at the Gold Coast.
FLGOFFs David Moody and John Barwood, from RAAF Base Amberley, provided air traffic control services during the race and were responsible for managing airspace for the military flight displays by F-111s and Black Hawk, Sea King and Tiger helicopters.
They liaised with civilian air traffic control for airspace release, ensuring the airspace was clear of local traffic before the displays could begin, and enabling access by media helicopters and advertising banner tow aircraft.
They were also on hand to provide any assistance needed by emergency aircraft and to minimise the disruption to local flying operators.
From their temporary base on the roof of the Marriott Hotel in Surfers Paradise, they liaised with local radio station SEA FM for live crosses to the military aircraft while they were holding in preparation for their display.
FLGOFF Barwood said the noise of the wind up at such a height, together with noise from the race and aircraft displays, often made their communications challenging.
After their shifts, they got the opportunity to meet celebrities, including actor Matthew McConaughey, former Wallabies player Elton Flatley, and V8 drivers Greg Murphy, Jason Bargwana and Dean Canto.
FLGOFF Barwood said the attachment to Indy provided a good opportunity for broadening his air traffic skills.
“We gained valuable experience in planning and establishing procedures and liaising with other airspace users to ensure maximum safety and minimum disruption to all operators,” he said.
