To study the working setup of an Air Traffic control, the Masters of Public Health students of Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health organised an industrial visit to ATC Mangalore. Students, as part of their curriculum, visited the ATC on 15th June 2023 to get hands on experience of the way the ATC works. This insightful visit allowed the students to learn the crucial role of air traffic control in ensuring aviation safety on the one hand and the opportunities to promote the well-being of air traffic control professionals as well as passengers on the other. As part of the visit, students were given brief presentation of the overall functioning of ATC, terminologies used, work culture and the basic knowledge about aircrafts and disaster management procedures. During the visit, students were taken on a detailed tour among the various sections of the ATC guided by experienced air traffic controllers who shared their experiences. The students were taught about the complex system that regulates air traffic, ensuring safe take-offs, landings, and in-flight operations.
Students also had the opportunity to witness the ATC operations in action during landings and were able to witness the coordination between controllers, pilots, and ground staff. Students were introduced to the use of advanced technologies used in flight tracking and minimising the risk of accidents. Students were actively engaged in discussions with the ATC personnel understanding standard operating procedures, working procedures during emergencies, importance of radar communication systems, ATC fatigue challenges and concerns etc.
As the visit concluded, the students left with a greater understanding of the vital role played by air traffic control in maintaining safety in the aviation industry and awareness of challenges and concerns for the well being of the personnel working in the field. The visit made the students understand the various applications of public health and its potential to expand the safety measures and promoting well-being in various industries. The students visit will surely help them in understanding their curriculum on public health application s in aviation industry.
