Air Traffic Control gets new equipment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Carl Spatz III
  • 509th Operations Support Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman Air Force Base recently ushered in a new era of Air Traffic Control as the Radar Approach Control and Tower received new state-of-the art equipment.

STARS, Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, replaced old equipment that's been in use since the 1970's. STARS provides Air Traffic Control automation support within FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control and DoD air traffic control facilities. 

Unlike the old equipment, STARS provides a clearer picture of aircraft operations in Whiteman's airspace. Targets are now digitized which is much better than the "Blip" seen on the old equipment. It's also easier for controllers to use since the equipment's interface with Kansas City Center is much improved.

The best feature of STARS is its redundancy in key system processors which allows it to stay operational if one of them fails. The system continuously monitors its processors and alerts ATC maintenance personnel of problems. Whereas with the old system if something malfunctioned the personnel wouldn't know what the problem was until it was diagnosed by maintenance.

"There is a great advantage in knowing exactly what the problem is and being able to fix it quickly reducing downtime of the system," said Staff Sgt. Mitchell Cooney, 509th Communications Squadron non-commisioned officer in charge of radar maintenance.
Sergeant Cooney and Rodney Johnson, 509th CS radar maintenance, have both had key roles in getting the facilities prepared for STARS installation.

They have been involved in the process since day one and have worked hard with the Operations Support Squadron to ensure a seamless transition for the flying community to the new system.

"We wanted to do everything in our power to ensure the process went smoothly," said Mr. Johnson. 

"This new system will definitely help us do our job more efficiently since it's much easier to determine what the problem is if one occurs," Sergeant Cooney said.

STARS is long overdue and is a drastic improvement over our previous system said Chief Master Sgt. Klintworth, 509th Operations Support Squadron, RAPCON Chief Controller. This new system which provides enhanced digital presentation, more reliable radar returns, six levels of weather data and a self-contained back-up system will greatly enhance the air traffic service provided by our controllers.

"I had reservations about using the new system but now that I have, its much more user friendly than I had anticipated and has made my job easier." said Staff Sgt. Enrique Jose, 509th OSS RAPCON watch supervisor. "This upgrade to STARS should accelerate apprentice controller upgrade time since this system is already being used at technical school."

Whiteman's air traffic controllers have been working hard the last six months in preparation for STARS by running simulations and getting certified on the new equipment.

Now that they've gone operational, ATC has yet another tool to aid them in their never ending quest to keep the skies over Whiteman safe.